- 89% of university graduates recommend that students do more networking to facilitate their career transition.
- 83% of students change career paths between the age of 18-25.
- 40% of Canadian students entering post-secondary education wait more than four months prior to starting university or college.
- 14% of Canadian university students drop out before the end of their first year.
Here is our founder, Jay Gosselin, at TEDx Kanata
“Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs, is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman
The past decade has produced increasing levels of mental health concerns across post-secondary campuses. According to a recent study of 25,000 students across various universities and colleges, 65 per cent of students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety within the last year. 46 per cent reported feeling so depressed in the previous year it was difficult to function.
At Discover Year, we believe that, while there are many factors contributing to this crisis, the best way to overcome it is to help young adults develop a sense of purpose in their lives. Purpose is created when a person uses their greatest strengths to pursue their passions. The problem is that very few people have a clear sense of their authentic strengths or passions at the age of 18.
The concept of the "gap year" remains relatively undeveloped in North America, but we believe that there has never been a better time for young adults to undertake a structured, purposeful year as a stepping stone to post-secondary or the workforce. Better understanding their own interests, values and talents and connecting with a diverse group of other talented and motivated people is the key to unlocking young adults' unique potential.
A Discover Year is not a guaranteed one-year journey to success, but this one year is the start of a lifelong journey to significance.
We strive to help our students come alive, and we would love to join you on your journey.