A Structured and Purposeful Gap Year
Build the confidence, connections and direction you need to thrive in adulthood
As seen in Maclean’s Magazine’s University Guide!
Embark on a year of self-discovery and growth
At Discover Year, we help young adults better understand what they want in life and build the skills they need to get it through:
Meaningful self-discovery
Crucial skills development
Coaching and mentorship
Work, travel and volunteer experience
Discover Year is a certified Canadian post-secondary program, recognized by the Government of Canada. Program fees are RESP-eligible and can be claimed as a tuition tax credit.
Earn a Double Certificate in Career & Leadership Skills
We integrate hands-on, experiential learning so students can develop new skills and gain valuable new experiences. At the end of the year, students graduate with a Double Certificate in Career and Leadership Skills.
Find your unique path
Do you feel overwhelmed when you think about your future? Do you want to take a year to learn more about yourself, explore your unique strengths, and build essential skills to thrive in school, work and life?
Want to learn more? Join our next Info Session!
Join our next Info Session!
Hear what students and parents have to say about Discover Year
“My daughter now has a roadmap for life. Whether the problem is big or small, she now has a way of approaching it that she didn’t have before Discover Year. She has courage now—curiosity, rather than the fear. This program condenses three or four years of maturity into one.”
Joy Overtveld
Discover Year Parent
“I had no idea how big of an impact Discover Year would have on my life or all the memories I would make. I am now someone who is confident—emotionally, physically, and mentally. I would never have been able to do it without everyone at Discover Year.”
Laura Grisim
Discover Year Graduate
“Last year, I didn’t know what I wanted out of my future. I was aimlessly following the paths that people around me were suggesting. During my Discover Year, I learned a lot about myself. Now, I feel like I’m in control because I know what direction I want to take. I feel like I’m moving through life with a purpose.”
Josh Harris
Discover Year Graduate
Why take a Discover Year?
Our students come from all walks of life, with their own unique strengths, interests, and barriers. No matter what your goals are for your gap year, Discover Year has a place for you.
Here are the four most common reasons our students choose Discover Year:
Our students come from all walks of life, with their own unique strengths, interests, and barriers. No matter what your goals are for your gap year, Discover Year has a place for you.
The four most common reasons our students choose Discover Year is to: gain direction, build new skills, explore, or recharge before pursuing post-secondary studies.
To Gain Direction
Often times, students may leave high school without a clear sense of their passions, talents, or future career interests. They may choose to take a Discover Year to find clarity and identify their next steps.
To Build New Skills
Many students take a Discover Year because they want to build on and improve their skills (such as communication skills and confidence) so they feel more prepared for adulthood.
To Explore
Explorers are always on the lookout for a new adventure! They are generally very open-minded students who take a Discover Year to gain new experiences and get out of their comfort zone.
To Recharge
Many Discover Year students had a lot on-the-go in high school and want to take a pause from academic studies to recharge and learn about themselves before attending college/university.
Discover Year by the numbers
Here’s some of what you can expect to get out of your Discover Year:
200+
hours of hands-on learning
100+
amazing and diverse mentors
75
crucial skills workshops
28
days to explore the world
20
networking and social events
18
field trips / exploration days
16
one-on-one coaching sessions
15
group coaching sessions
The benefits of a Discover Year
Our graduates leave the program with greater…
Self-awareness
Communication skills
Confidence
Resilience
Making the case for a structured gap year
While the concept of a “gap year” remains relatively undeveloped in Canada, we believe there has never been a better time for young adults to pursue a structured and purposeful year as a stepping stone to post-secondary education or the workforce.
Listen to Discover Year founder Jay Gosselin’s TED Talk on why gap years could be the path to more purposeful education.
Still have questions?
Do you have questions about whether Discover Year is right for you? Our Program Manager, Julia, would be happy to meet with you!
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