Best Programs for Gap Year Students?

I'm a high school junior thinking about taking a gap year after graduation. Are there any highly recommended programs that could offer valuable experiences? I'm looking for something that might help in personal growth or learning new skills.

When contemplating a gap year, it's crucial to identify the areas where you aim to grow or the concrete skills you're looking to develop. Here's a list of highly recognized programs for gap year students with varying focuses:

1. City Year: Placing volunteers in schools across the U.S., City Year offers members the chance to serve as tutors, mentors, and role models for students, allowing for personal development and growth in leadership and communication skills.

2. Global Citizen Year: This program is designed for students interested in cultural immersion, service learning, and leadership development. Participants live with a host family and apprentice in a local organization in Brazil, Ecuador, Senegal, or India.

3. National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): If you're into outdoor education and leadership, NOLS courses take students to some of the world's most stunning and remote classrooms where they learn about wilderness medicine, backpacking, sailing, kayaking, and more.

4. AmeriCorps: Aiming to bridge gaps in education, conservation, public health, and more across the U.S., AmeriCorps offers a variety of tracks for those interested in community service.

5. Projects Abroad: For those interested in specific vocational skills or areas of study like medicine, teaching, conservation, law, and journalism, Projects Abroad provides opportunities worldwide.

6. Internship opportunities: Depending on your field of interest, pursuing an internship during your gap year can offer practical experience and transferable skills. Sites like Internmatch or LinkedIn can offer a wealth of opportunities.

Do conduct thorough research and consider what experience aligns best with your personal and professional goals. A gap year can be a fantastic opportunity to amass invaluable real-world experience, develop skills, and gain a broader perspective. Remember, any experience can be enriching if appropriately utilized and reflected upon.