The Gap Year Association recently named February as “Gap Year Exploration Month,” an event designed to give attention to the options available to students who don’t want to jump right into college.

“Gap Year Exploration Month seeks to empower students to understand the vast array of opportunities available for gap time and research paths that are right for them,” the association wrote in a blog post.

“Behind this initiative is a passionate group of educators, program providers and others who want to help promote the benefits of gap time.”

The association also a created a toolkit for counselors looking for more information to share with students about gap year options and opportunities. The kit includes statistics on gap year benefits and ways they can participate in Gap Year Exploration Month.

Check out NACAC’s resources on taking a gap year and meet with exhibiting gap year programs at this year’s National College Fairs.

Ashley Dobson is NACAC’s communications manager for content and social media. You can reach her at adobson@nacacnet.org.