The 529 Advantage

Just want to share this unique seasonal/gap year program that provides college aged young adults an opportunity to explore the world while earning some money and gaining solid work experience.

AdventureEXP is continues to expand it's partnerships and has spots in Acadia, Yellowstone, Moab, and Whitefish this summer.

Without a doubt, my summer working as banquet captain at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park was pivotal. Beyond sharing ghost stories with guests, my brother, Josh Stout, and I hustled from noon to midnight grilling hamburgers at the pool by day and managing weddings and corporate parties by night. It was a huge confidence booster that propelled me into an amazing job the following fall.

Please check them out: here...

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064288982371

Adventureexp We offer destination work programs that connect people to seasonal jobs across the US and abroad!

I've had a handful of friends asking about Outward Bound's Pathfinder courses for young adult so I'm posting some info along with a link.

Pathfinder is a 30 day wilderness expedition that brings a group of young adults, ages 18-25, together so they can spend some focused time considering how to approach their transition into an ever more complicated adult world.

The curriculum is tailored to build a team that will face and overcome challenges together as they travel through the wilderness. Each person learns about themselves and grows more confident in their decision making and goal setting.

It's like a 30 day, 24/7, peer support group in nature where the participants explore what they want out of life. ***College credit is available and 529 College Savings Plans are accepted.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like some guidance on anything Outward Bound related. :)

Pathfinder: Wilderness Programs for Young Adults Pathfinder courses are specially designed for young people aged 18-25. These adventurous outdoor expeditions focus on increasing self-knowledge, clarifying values, setting goals, & strengthening decision-making skills & processes.

We have rather exciting news to share! Please visit us at The Purpose Confluence, our next big step in growing our mission to help people find educational life opportunities that will take them on a journey of self discovery, prepare them for life, and lead them towards purpose. See you there!

There are so many amazing options for learning and discovering purpose in life. Our mission at The Purpose Confluence is to match people with educational life opportunities that will take them on a journey of self discovery, prepare them for life, and lead them towards purpose. We partner with like-minded organizations and businesses who are invested in similar goals, and we offer an ever-expanding collection of diverse programs that we will help you explore and find the right one for you right now! https://purposeconfluence.com/

Are you looking to gain or increase your fly fishing, hunting, and backcountry skills? Interested in becoming a hunting, fly fishing, or outdoor guide? Are you a Veteran with post 9/11 GiI Bill Education Benefits and looking to use them in a unique way?

Look no further than our partners at the Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School. COAGS is the premier guide school in the state of Colorado and are established as an official Colorado State Private Occupational School.

COAGS typically offers two-week long courses - take one or bundle them for a longer experience (We highly recommend this option! Why not extend your stay and truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors?)

Upcoming Courses:
Basic Guide Program: July 11 - 22

Pro Hunting Guide and Advanced Backcountry Horsemanship July 25 - Aug 5

Whitetail Hunting Guide: Aug 8 - 19

Advanced Backcountry Horsemanship: Aug 8 - 19

Fly Fishing Guide: Aug 22 - Sep 2

For more information, reach out to us directly or Jeff at COAGS. We'd be happy to help.
www.guideschool.com
. .Did we mention that they help qualified graduates find job placement in the guiding industry? Their outfitting partners are always requesting referrals!

Are you a parent who has a child who is struggling and you're not sure where to start in supporting them?

Outward Bound Intercept expeditions help teens or young adults and their families realize they’re not alone in struggling with life's challenges – and that we are, in fact, in this together. These wilderness expeditions take students out of their routines and into awe-inspiring settings where they can gain a new perspective on life, develop positive decision-making skills, strengthen interpersonal relationships and cultivate a positive self-image.

Contact us directly to learn more about how our partners at Voyageur Outward Bound School can help!

Programs and Dates Available:

Intercept Boundary Waters Canoeing
Ages 14-17
7.26.22 - 8.22.22

Intercept Boundary Waters Canoeing for Girls
Ages 14-17
7.26.22 - 8.22.22

Intercept Boundary Waters Semester
Ages 17-21
9.12.22 - 10.31.22

This summer or fall, find a compassionate community that supports your family along the journey of positive change. Learn more about how an Intercept expedition can help your teen build healthy communication skills, behaviors and self-image that will positively impact their daily lives.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3J1U6YP

Do you have someone in your life who could benefit from some type ll fun? We believe it's through these types of programs that young adults discover themselves, build character, and find their purpose.

Contact us to learn more about your options through one of our many partner programs.

What is ‘Type II fun,’ and why do some people want to have it? The unscientific "Fun Scale" has become part of the lingo for outdoor enthusiasts.

Looking to take a gap semester abroad before starting college? This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, build community, and find your purpose before heading off to the traditional college setting. Bring your education to life in places like Italy, Argentina, and Ireland.

Reach out to us directly to learn more about how you can through our partners at Verto Education!

Touchdown or Try?

Have no idea what a “try” is?! Neither did Verto London students until they attended their first rugby game this past weekend!

On a sunny London Saturday, Verto students watched the Saracens vs. North-Hampton Saints - a high-scoring rugby game with an exciting crowd atmosphere. Did you know that rugby, as we know it today, was created in 1823 in Warwickshire, England? While New Zealand and South Africa remain rugby legends, England can hold its head up high as the only team north of the equator to win a Rugby World Cup.

With Verto you can go straight from school to the pitch (rugby field!) without even needing to bring your cleats! Does this sound like your type of weekend adventure? Link in bio to apply!

P.S. Ready to score your first ‘try’ in London?! Enroll by tomorrow, March 31st, for $1,500 off your first year with Verto! DM us with any questions about Early Enrollment…

Do you know any young adults who'd benefit from this great opportunity with Outward Bound California?

That's right—totally free. Make lifelong memories in the High Sierras alongside a supportive LGBTQ+ community. Guided by Outward Bound California Instructors who have lived experiences with and demonstrated support for the LGBTQ+ community, you'll step into an environment where you can be completely you.
​
Apply for a FULL scholarship if you:
⋗ Identify as LGBTQ+
⋗ Are between the ages of 14-17 while on course
⋗ A scholarship would remove financial barriers.
⋗ Are so excited to do this!
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​Share and/or apply for this High Sierra LGBTQ+ Backpacking Expedition July 27 - August 9, 2022. https://bit.ly/3JQ3j7x

Check out the post below from our friends over at Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) to learn more about the women who've helped create their success!

Hello Friends,

If you have a 529 College Savings Plan and want to use it for a Gap Year, Outdoor Adventure, Wilderness Therapy, or to earn a certificate in a sustainable living trade program, we are here to help.

In the meantime, we are excited to have Forbes mention us in a recent article. Please check it out:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianboswell/2021/07/15/7-benefits-you-didnt-know-about-529-college-savings-plans-but-should/

7 Benefits You Didn’t Know About 529 College Savings Plans (But Should) There are many, many more perks to 529 college savings programs beyond tax benefits and even college: Here are seven you should know.

Did you know that a high school graduate can use their 529 plan to attend a Gap Year and receive college credit?

Also, did you know that a high school student can use their 529 plan to participate in a summer Outdoor Leadership Program and receive college credit?

Please join Brock Jolly, from the College Funding Coach, and myself as we discuss all of the exciting things you didn't know you could do with your 529 College Savings Plan.

https://www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/class/conquer-mountains-build-community-find-purpose-using-a-529-plan-for-non-traditional-learning/

Conquer Mountains, Build Community, Find Purpose: Using a 529 Plan for Non-Traditional Learning - The College Funding Coach The experience of education should be to enrich one’s life and prepare our students for the journey ahead—an experience rooted in discovering their strengths and exploring their passions. For some students, this is a traditional education; for others, that feels like swimming upstream. They may ...

Hey Friends, The 529 Advantage is excited to highlight a number of alternative education programs that can accept your 529 College Savings Plan and AmeriCorps Ed Award. The growing list includes domestic and international Gap Year programs, Outdoor Education, Wilderness Therapy, and Trade Schools. Check our recent interview with Savingforcollege.com

Taking 529 College Saving Plans Another Route The 529 College Advantage founder and CEO Jason Stout tells us about his program, alternatives to a traditional degree, and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfN6TpxoZds

Explore, Discover, Grow...Check out Irish Gap Year

https://youtu.be/FZ3MU8-z-ww

Gap Year Ireland Adventure and Leadership Gap Year Program with Irish Gap Year Adventure and Leadership Program (Semester Length - Spring and Fall Annually) Irish Gap Year’s Adventure & Leadership Gap Year Program will take you far off ...