Gap Year Fair - Tues, Feb 2 @ 6:00 pm | Email from Oct 23, 2026
College is not always the best place to start for some students directly after graduation. Some need time to figure out who they are, what they really like/dislike, need a bit of time for maturity, what they want to study, what career path to follow, etc.
A Gap Year program provides structures, intentional breaks-ranging from a single semester to a full year-designed for personal growth, skill building, service, or travel.
Service & Volunteer Programs Outdoor & Adventure Leadership
Cultural & Language Immersion Academic & Semester at Sea / Voyages
Internships & Work Experience (trades) (some Gap Year programs offer college credit)
SAVE the DATE: The Denver Global Opportunities Fair (formerly the USA Gap Year Fair)
Tuesday, February 2, 2027 @ 6:00-8:00 pm
Arapahoe High School in Centennial
Cost: FREE
What to Expect
Introductory Presentation: An expert-led session covering how to choose a program, budget costs, find scholarships, and integrate time abroad with college or career plans.
Exhibitor Tables: Connect directly with representatives from gap year, study abroad, internship, volunteer, and summer programs (past providers include NOLS, Outward Bound, and Where There Be Dragons)
Scholarships: Attendees can learn about financial aid options and apply for a $5,000 GO Fairs Scholarship
Some websites to check out GAP year programs:
https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year (can search for Christian gap year programs)
https://www.goabroad.com/gap-year
https://www.summit.org/programs/gap-year/?ims=search-
https://bestchristiangapyear.org/find-a-program/
https://rootedlifeadventures.com/new-zealand/?
https://www.teenlife.com/for/top-50-gap-programs/?program-type=gap
https://www.efgapyear.com/?semcp=GGUSS-PMAX-GAP-
https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/high-school-study-abroad/gap-year
https://www.volunteerhq.org/gap-year-programs/
Search "Christian gap year programs": Denver Gap Year, Camp Elim Gap Year, Camp Bighorn, OneLife Institute, Atlas Gap Year, Experience Mission, YWAM
What Gap Year is NOT
It is not an unplanned vacation, an excuse to avoid growing up, or a permanent escape from your education or career goals.
Some describe it as a year "on" rather than time off.
Here is what a gap year is not:
Not an endless holiday: It is not meant to be a lazy, unmotivated break spent idling or living passively at home without purpose.
Not quitting on your future: It is not a way to permanently "opt out" of adulthood, higher education, or your career path.
Not a lack of direction: While some people take it because they are unsure of their major, a good gap year requires clear intentions, planning, and goal-setting rather than wandering aimlessly.
Not falling behind: It is not a fatal setback; the vast majority of students who take a structured gap year successfully return to college with better focus, higher maturity, and stronger academic drive.