The Gap Year Association (GYA) is the Official Standards Development Organization for gap year education in the U.S. as recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. GYA advances the field of gap year education by collaboratively pioneering research on gap year benefits and trends, as well as providing professional development opportunities and resources for educators in gap year education and intersecting fields. GYA also maintains a robust accreditation process for gap year program providers and consultants. Our mission is to maximize the potential of young adults through meaningful and accessible gap year opportunities. Our vision is for every high school graduate to have access to quality gap year opportunities, including a semester's worth of college credit. Cover photo courtesy of N. Garrett and NOLS.