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Gap years are on the rise in Halton and across Canada. Since the pandemic, the locally run Canadian Gap Year Association's web traffic has increased 1,300 per cent (www.cangap.ca) as families explore the idea of pushing pause on formal education so students can regain missed experiences, tackle burnout and mental health Challenges, decrease student debt and get clarity on their future careers. While many still see a gap year as a year of backpacking Europe on Mom and Dad's dime, in 2023, the gap year has evolved to be a tool for youth to bridge high school and college or uni- versity through experiential learning, developing foundational skills and making better decisions for their future. Students are working, getting in- ternships, volunteering in relevant sectors, taking courses and finding unique opportunities to fos- ter personal and professional development. “Taking a year off, as long as it is well planned, is a leapfrog move,’ says Michelle Dittmer, presi- dent of CanGap and Burlington resident. Statisti- cally, students who take a gap year have higher GPAs, graduate in fewer years and are more en- gaged on campus. They also are more likely to get a job right after college or university graduation. “We often fear that students will fall behind if they don’t continue directly to college or univer- sity, but the experience they gain on a gap year springboards them ahead of their peers in the long run,” explains Dittmer. Halton is lucky to have Canada’s top gap year expert right here. Dittmer and her team support families across Canada, from Vancouver Island to Prince Edward Island, in making the “to gap or not to gap” decision and then supporting them in finding the right combination of activi- ties that will ensure that this time is not wasted. “The world has changed. The way we educate ourselves has changed. A big part of my job is sharing the thousands of opportunities that ex- ist and giving them Permission to do something different than says Dittmer. From free sustainability and conserva- tion programming to trips around the world on a tall ship to fixing up an old race car, there is something for everyone (and at every price point). Whether your kid wants to build their resume, decide what career path they want to follow, take time to find balance and clarity in their life or anything in between, a gap year is a great tool to leverage. “Our super power at ADVERTORIAL Gap Years: CanGap helps high school grads find purpose CanGap is matching people to the right activi- ties and providing guidance and accountability along the way.” Dittmer says that one of the most common misconceptions is that taking a year off will neg- atively impact your university or college pros- pects. “Totally false,” she shares. “Many colleges and universities will even allow you to defer your acceptance to the following year. Harvard en- courages their students to take a gap year be- fore coming” She recommends you check with your future post-secondary institution to see what their policy is. “Gappers always come away saying that they feel more confident, more independent and know what their next steps in life are,’ says Dit- tmer. “Seeing the transformation that can only happen outside of a classroom is so reward- 1” > If you are considering a gap year or have questions about the gap year pathway, check out the Canadian Gap Year Association's web- site or attend one of its events. Get on its email list or book a free 30-minute consultation with Michelle. www.cangap.ca Michelle Dittmer and CanGap help families understand who should take a gap year and how to not waste your time and money. Yin HOICE 2021 ROOF RESCUE FREE ROOF GIVEAWAY — Nominate someone today! letitrain.ca/roof-rescue-2023/ ye Cie >a t ined READERS’ READERS’ CHOICE 2020 IHOICE 2020 Ss) = Nominations end June 3rd *Conditions apply* rain.ca ¢ Call us at (905) 795: Helping others build a shelter against a rainy day SAS LET IT RAIN Roofing & Home Renovations £202 ‘81 AeW ‘Aepsiny | senveg eared | 67 woo'uo}|ByepIsU