From Graduation to Greatness: Learn How a Gap Year will Enhance Your Teen’s Growth Trajectory

The transition from high school to college can be daunting for both teens and their families, especially when considering a gap year.

That’s why we’ve invited Seth Kessler and Lee Sosin, Co-Founders of GapWell, to speak to our parents about “From Graduation to Greatness: Learn How a Gap Year will Enhance Your Teen’s Growth Trajectory.”

In this presentation, we’ll explore the proven benefits of gap years, how to determine if it’s a good fit for your teen, and how to plan and navigate a meaningful gap year experience. Join us for practical insights and valuable strategies to help your teen grow and thrive during this important stage.

What is Gapwell:

Recently featured in the October 2024 issue of TOWN & COUNTRY Magazine, GapWell product and services are built to enhance your journey from high school to career by advising, coaching and delivering the tools you need to thrive. This includes the innovative GapWell Guide for first-year college students — a weekly delivery of authentic advice, encouragement and guidance from older students across the country to help first-year students be less stressed and more successful on campus.

About the Speakers:

Seth Kessler
Seth Kessler is a savvy collaborator and growth generator with over 20 years of experience in driving results for global organizations. He has led high-performance teams and transformed multinational companies through periods of significant change, including his time as President of Global Solutions at InnerWorkings, where he played a key role in the company’s growth from $100 million to over $1.2 billion in sales. Seth holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Brandeis University.

Lee Sosin
Lee Sosin is an experienced advisor, consultant, and fractional CMO, helping companies create stronger brands and more effective marketing strategies. He previously served as Chief Marketing Officer of Green Roads, transforming it into a human-centric wellness brand. Lee’s extensive career includes senior executive roles at Hearst, Yahoo, and Time Inc., where he drove revenue growth, innovated products, and exceeded goals. Lee holds an MBA from Columbia University, an MFA in Motion Picture Producing from USC, and a BA from Brandeis University.

About the Presentation:

In “From Graduation to Greatness: Learn How a Gap Year Will Enhance Your Teen’s Growth Trajectory,” Seth Kessler will share insights on how a gap year can benefit your teen’s success in college and beyond. The presentation will cover how to assess whether a gap year is right for your teen, how to plan and execute the experience, and how to navigate the college deferral process. Additionally, Seth will offer tips for those with teens who might end up taking an “accidental gap” due to spring 2026 college admissions. This session provides a comprehensive guide for parents looking to help their teens thrive during this pivotal time.

The session will include:

• What the data says about the benefits of gap years on a teen’s success in college and in life
• How to know if a gap year is a good fit for your teen
• How to discuss this option with your teen if they’re reluctant to consider it
• How to make the most of planning and executing a gap experience (with summer, semester & full-year examples)
• How to best navigate the college deferral process if / when you choose to do a gap semester or year
• What to do if your teen finds themselves as an “accidental gapper” due to a spring 2026 college admission
• And more…