In Honor of Teacher Appreciation Week: A PEAR for the Teacher!
- Financial Assistance for Educators: The Road Scholar PEAR (Professional Educator’s Assistance and Recognition) scholarship awards between $200 and $2,000 to offset the cost of an educational travel program in the U.S. or Canada.
- Eligibility Requirements: Active and retired educators and educational staff over the age of 50 are eligible to apply. While priority is generally given based on state median income guidelines, all those with a background in education are encouraged to submit an application.
- What the Scholarship Covers: The award applies directly to the cost of a Road Scholar learning adventure (priced at up to $2,500). Road Scholar programs include lodging, meals, expert-led field trips and transportation during the program.
Gifting a teacher with an apple has long been a traditional symbol of gratitude and appreciation. In 1939, Bing Crosby even sang about this gesture in his hit, “An Apple for the Teacher.” But this week, Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4 through May 8, 2026, we offer a PEAR for the teacher — a Road Scholar Professional Educator’s Assistance and Recognition (PEAR) scholarship, that is!
While our PEAR scholarships are offered year-round, there’s no better time than now to spread the word. It’s our way of recognizing and thanking active and retired teachers for going above and beyond for their students — and their ability to change lives with selfless dedication.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Road Scholar began offering the PEAR scholarships in 2018. Active or retired educators and others in the education field are encouraged to apply.
What Exactly is a PEAR Scholarship?
A PEAR scholarship is a financial assistance award between $200 and $2,000 that will be applied to the Road Scholar program of your choice (priced at up to $2,500) in the United States or Canada. You will be responsible for paying any balance of the program cost after the scholarship has been applied. At a minimum, you pay the applicable deposit for your selected program. Road Scholar will take care of everything — lodging, meals, field trips, transportation during your program and much more. Financial assistance is applied to the cost of the program only. Please note, the scholarship does not cover the cost of transportation to and from the onsite program location.
Who is Eligible?
If you are over 50 and retired from or currently employed with any educational organization (public or private early childhood, primary, secondary or higher education), you may be eligible. PEAR scholarships are generally awarded to recipients whose household income is less than 80% of the median income in their state of residency. Income eligibility alone doesn’t guarantee a scholarship, nor does a household income higher than the guideline automatically disqualify you.
Submit an Application
If you think you may be eligible, please submit an application along with a personal statement telling us why you’re requesting a scholarship. Please include any special personal, financial or medical circumstances. Select an eligible program you would like to attend in the United States or Canada that is priced at no more than $2,500. In your application, please tell us why this program inspires you and what it would mean to you to attend a Road Scholar learning adventure. Please note that you should apply at least three months before your selected program start date.
The Learning Experience of a Lifetime
We welcome active and retired teachers and those with other roles in the education field to experience one of our learning adventures. You’ll find friendly lifelong learners like yourself ready to explore, engage and unwind. Read how Susan S., a retired special education teacher and recent PEAR scholarship recipient from Illinois, enjoyed Virginia, Mother of President: Seven Historic Sites on our blog.
"Whether you’re still working or reflecting on a lifetime of impact, the PEAR Scholarship offers you the chance to become a student once more,” says Ann Simanis, Associate Vice President, Office of Financial Aid & Community Outreach at Road Scholar. “By helping remove financial barriers, this scholarship opens the door to enriching Road Scholar experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach. I encourage you to take the next step and apply for a PEAR Scholarship and let your love of learning lead you to new discoveries.”
If you’re actively teaching or retired from teaching, learn more about the recipient guidelines for a Road Scholar PEAR scholarship. If you’re not in the education field, help us spread the word about this incredible opportunity with your friends or family as we celebrate Road Scholar’s PEAR scholarship this month!