I'm finishing up high school and thinking about doing a gap year program focused on employment. Can anyone recommend good programs that offer valuable work experience? I'm hoping to gain skills and maybe earn some money before college.
Absolutely, taking a gap year can provide valuable opportunities to gain work experience and skills before entering college, and can also help you solidify your career interests.
One excellent example is City Year, an AmeriCorps program, which offers a service year where you can work as a tutor and mentor for students in high-need schools. While the pay is modest, it does come with an end-of-year award which can be used towards college expenses.
If your interest leans towards technology or business, you might consider Venture for America. It provides two years of training and a job placement at a startup in an emerging U.S. city -- a great opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship.
Another interesting program is Year Up, which offers intensive training in the business and technology sectors followed by internships with major companies. The focus is on closing the opportunity divide for urban young adults, and it's a paid program.
Remember to look for programs that align with your fields of interest for the best experience. Good luck with your search and subsequent gap year experience!
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