Alchemist Foundation hosts gap-year discussion Monday in Stowe

April 11, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Figuring out if, when, and how to go to (and pay for) college is increasingly difficult, and the pressures on high school students are ever-increasing. How can young people and their families decide their best paths after high school?

Taking a gap year – time off after high school to work, travel and explore – is an option that can make sense for any student. 

The Alchemist Foundation will host a free community conversation on Monday evening in Stowe to share information on gap years. The conversation will be facilitated by Julia Rogers of EnRoute Consulting, a professionally accredited gap-year counselor experienced in helping young Vermonters plan meaningful and affordable gap-year experiences.

“We know there’s a lot of uncertainty right now about college, and students and parents are worried about being ready for college and being able to afford it,” said Liz Schlegel, executive director of the Alchemist Foundation. “Gap years can really help students figure out their path, and what they want to get out of going to college. They help young people build essential ‘adulting’ skills and are surprisingly cost-effective. We’d like folks to come with their questions and get some resources that can help them learn about this smart option.”

Rogers said that taking a gap year has been gaining in popularity nationwide over the past decade, and Vermont has been leading that trend. “Families here are open-minded and creative - not just about education, but about how to live with intention. That’s at the core of the gap year experience: helping young adults discover their ‘why’ and begin building towards their future with more purpose and optimism,” Rogers said. “I am very excited to share gap year information and resources with my own community at this event.”

A Stowe resident, Rogers has over 15 years of gap-year counseling and experiential travel. She’s also a TEDx speaker, podcast host and president emeritus of the Gap Year Association, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to the intentional growth of the gap year option through research, standards-setting and advocacy. 

The Alchemist Foundation focuses on expanding economic and educational opportunities for local youth in the Harwood Unified, Lamoille North & South, and Orleans South school districts. It offers post-secondary scholarships as well as awards for young people going directly into the workforce. It also works with nonprofits to develop programs that help local youth expand their options. Information on the Alchemist Opportunity Fund scholarships will be provided at the Gap Year event as well.

This is a free event on Monday, April 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Alchemist Brewery in Stowe. Refreshments will be provided. To sign up, contact Liz Schlegel with an email to liz@alchemistbeer.com.