Understanding How Outdoor Adventure Education Experiences Can Support Gap Year Students' Transition to College.

This article examines how outdoor adventure education (OAE) programs taken during a gap year support emerging adults’ transition to college. Using qualitative interviews with alumni of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) semester programs, the study found that participants experienced increased clarity about career paths, improved ability to overcome college challenges, a stronger value of community, and greater maturity leading to more responsible college engagement. Other gap year experiences such as work, travel, and volunteering also contributed positively to participants’ college transitions. The findings suggest that OAE programs are a valuable and developmentally appropriate option within the broader gap year landscape to aid emerging adults navigating postsecondary education, while acknowledging that alternative, more accessible experiences may also provide similar benefits.