ARCC Gap Year - Western U.S.

ARCC Gap Year programs offer an educational and cultural bridge between high school and college. They are an opportunity to live, work, learn and explore in some of the greatest classrooms on earth. Designed with a rich educational fabric complementing each and every location, they highlight regional issues that are directly linked to global challenges.

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ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’s most beautiful and remote landscapes ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. Building upon our 40-year history of running domestic programs in the U.S., this semester provides hands-on opportunities and access to areas usually unavailable to the everyday traveler. Hiking through Grand Teton National Park and taking a quick plunge in a turquoise alpine lake, we explore some of the most pristine wilderness of the West. Partnering with local conservationists in Yellowstone National Park, we understand the current threats to native wolf and grizzly bear populations. Soaring atop breathtaking rapids amidst picturesque desert landscapes, we retrace history as we address water rights issues while sleeping under brilliant starry skies. Building a toolkit of medical skills, we join the ranks of outdoor professionals as Wilderness First Responders. Getting our hands dirty being a part of building sustainable homes, we see first-hand the power and potential of renewable energy sources. Meeting with migrants along Arizona’s borderlands, we get an inside glimpse into one of our country’s most poignant challenges. Hiking through the pristine wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii, we fall asleep to the sound of waves meeting the sand and soak up the towering peaks and valleys of this unique volcanic landscape. The newfound insights gained from this in-depth look at some of the most famous landmarks of the American West leave our perspectives and appreciation for our own backyard changed forever.

• ARCC Gap Year Programs are for students between 17-20 years old. 
• It is not uncommon for students who have done one to three semesters in college to join ARCC on a Gap Semester. 

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• Rolling

• In order to officially hold a place on a semester, students need to complete the online application and submit an $800 deposit. The application can be found on the website by clicking the red “Enroll Now” button. This will take you to an online application where you can also make the $800 deposit.
• After submitting the online application, ARCC will confirm the $800 deposit. This deposit is essential to holding the space. If ARCCC doesn’t have a deposit held by credit card or check, please don’t consider the space reserved.
• After submitting the application applicants will receive the detailed application and two – three required reference forms via email. This is the third step in the application process and these application materials must be completed within three weeks of your deposit.

Once the Gap Director has received all application forms, the Director will follow up to set up to schedule either a face-to-face or video interview. Within two weeks, applicants will be informed as of their acceptance into the ARCC Gap Year program.

ARCC has set aside a pool of funds to be used to partially sponsor students who wish to participate in an ARCC Gap Semester, but are unable to cover the costs of the full tuition. The amount of financial aid granted to a student depends upon the family’s need, the tuition, and the number of students applying for financial aid. Aid amounts can go up to $6,000, but our average award is between $2,000 – $4,000.

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Applications for financial aid are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend submitting your request as early as possible for a greater likelihood of aid.

Read more about financial aid here.