Studies have shown that not only do the students go on to perform better than their non-gap-year classmates, they also tend to end up in more satisfying careers. A growing number of colleges, including all the Ivy League institutions, have been on to the idea as a positive choice for incoming students; and Harvard has for decades been urging members of its incoming class to consider it. If your child just graduated and is considering this option, you may be freaking out a bit. However there are instances where you can use a 529 plan to pay for gap year programs.
Outward Bound has a partnership with Western State Colorado University and Carpe Diem Education has a partnership with Portland State University. Because of their university affiliations, some of their programs allow students to earn college credits while on gap year and also pay for their more structured experiences with 529 money. This may help parents feel better that their kids aren't goofing off and also have a potential way to finance the journey as well.
“Backpacking” by mripp is licensed under CC BY 2.0
“”Backpacking”” by mripp is licensed under CC BY 2.0