Find real gap-year opportunities.
LaunchYear connects high school graduates with paid jobs, internships, travel programs, and volunteering at vetted organizations across the United States. Free for students — your details stay private until you apply.
It's not a gap year. It's a launch year.
A “gap” sounds like time lost. We see it differently: a year to earn money, build real experience, and launch toward your future on purpose — so you start college, or a career, already ahead.
Featured opportunities
Jobs, internships, travel programs, and volunteering from organizations we've reviewed.
Browse
See every vetted opportunity on one page — no account needed to look.
Apply
Apply free in a few minutes. Your details stay private with us until you submit.
Launch
Hear back from the organization and start a year that actually moves you forward.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gap year?
A gap year is a year taken between high school and college to work, intern, travel, or volunteer. It's a chance to earn money, gain real-world experience, and clarify what you want to study before enrolling.
Is LaunchYear free for students?
Yes. Browsing and applying to opportunities on LaunchYear is completely free for students. Your details stay private until you choose to apply.
How does LaunchYear keep students safe?
Every organization and listing is reviewed by our team before it goes live. The platform serves minors, so trust and safety are built in — and you can report any listing in one click.
Who can use LaunchYear?
LaunchYear is built for U.S. students roughly ages 17–20 taking a gap year before, during, or after the transition to college.