What Gap Year Programs Are Available for High School Seniors?

I'm a high school senior thinking about taking a gap year before starting college. I'd like to know about different programs and their benefits. What options are recommended for someone interested in community service or cultural exchange?

If you're considering taking a gap year, it's a great way to gain experiences and mature before college. Focusing on community service and cultural exchange makes this endeavor even richer.

Programs like "City Year" provide high school grads the opportunity to work as tutors, mentors, and role models in schools across the U.S, helping students stay on track to graduate while also offering a stipend and scholarship opportunities.

"AmeriCorps NCCC" (National Civilian Community Corps) is another excellent program where participants address critical community needs like disaster response and environmental conservation.

Tilting Futurers is an immersive gap year program focusing on service learning abroad. It offers high school grads the chance to live with a host family in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, India, and Senegal while participating in service projects.

Then there's "World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms" (or "WWOOF"), which connects volunteers with organic farms and smallholdings around the world. It allows you to learn sustainable farming methods while living, working, and learning in a foreign country.

"Up with People" centers on performing arts, travel, and community service. Participants travel the world performing a musical show, while also engaging in community service and leadership workshops.

Finally, "Outward Bound" offers a Pathfinders course for recent high school grads to learn leadership skills through wilderness exploration and service projects. They offer a range of programs from sailing to backpacking.

Remember to weigh the financial obligations, time commitments, and potential benefits of each program to determine the best fit for you. Gap year programs can be rewarding and memorable if chosen wisely.