What's Happening?
Carol and Becky Mulholland advocate for normalizing gap years in higher education, emphasizing their potential benefits for career readiness and personal growth. They argue that gap years should be seen
as a practical path to college and career success, rather than a luxury for the privileged. The authors promote structured earn-while-you-learn pathways to support students during their gap year.
Why It's Important?
Normalizing gap years can provide students with valuable time for self-discovery and career exploration, potentially reducing dropout rates and improving long-term outcomes. This perspective challenges traditional views on education and encourages a more flexible approach to college readiness.
What's Next?
As the conversation around gap years evolves, institutions may consider integrating structured gap year programs into their offerings. This could lead to new models that prioritize career exploration and personal growth, benefiting students and families alike.
Beyond the Headlines
The push for gap year normalization raises questions about the role of higher education in preparing students for the workforce and the importance of intentional pauses in academic journeys. It may also lead to discussions on the financial implications of gap years and their accessibility to diverse student populations.
