Possibilities after high school: Discussion focuses on ‘gap year’

Written by Jennifer Wastrom
Wednesday, 06 January 2010 12:56

The Joel Barlow High School PTSA is presenting a discussion on “Gap Year” possibilities — work, volunteer service, study and travel opportunities for graduating high school seniors as an alternative to college — tonight, Jan. 7 at the Mark Twain Library. The program begins at 7 p.m.

The panel will include former Barlow students who will discuss their post-high school experiences, and Mitch Holmes, academic dean at Naugatuck Community College.

The term “gap year” describes a period of time post high school for young adults to spend a year away from the academic treadmill. Though the concept may be new to many in the U.S., it’s an established tradition elsewhere. In the UK, about 11% of the 300,000 college-bound seniors take a gap year before enrolling. Reliable data for gap-year activity is not available for the U.S. but guidance counselors and college admissions officers say they’re seeing a surge of interest, according to USA Today.

“Counselors are recognizing that there are many pathways to college,” said David Hawkins, director of public policy and research at the National Association for College Admission Counseling. “They see that, if properly vetted, these opportunities could actually help students succeed in college.”

Mr. Holmes will discuss the variety of associate degrees and certificates along with hundreds of continuing education opportunities offered by Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury. He will also present information on the success of Barlow students, who have attended Naugatuck Community College.

“With the ever-increasing costs of a college education and the pressure on students to get into college, many parents might want to step back and reassess whether the goal is simply ‘access to college’ or ‘success in college,’ said Colleen Joyce, former Barlow PTSA president and organizer of this event. “Studies show that students who take a year off to work, volunteer or attend community college are very successful in their college careers. In fact, Harvard and Princeton require that some of their accepted applicants pursue a gap year experience before entering their college.”

Space is limited. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Colleen T. Joyce at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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