50 Years of Road Scholar: Bridging Cultures, Inspiring Connections, Changing Lives
Road Scholar’s 50th anniversary is a celebration of its profound impact in the lives of millions of people across society and around the world. This bold experiment to engage older adults through learning has grown into a movement that has changed lives, broadened perspectives, and deepened connections and understanding across cultures and generations.
At its core, Road Scholar is a learning community of older adults whose passion for discovery and exploration extends beyond travel — it’s about embracing new ideas, expanding knowledge, and fostering camaraderie and friendship.
Road Scholar President & CEO James Moses with Road Scholar Founders Marty Knowlton & David Bianco
Over the last five decades, we have connected millions of curious learners with expert instructors, remarkable places and one another. Road Scholar reaffirms an essential truth: Learning and friendship enrich our lives in countless ways. When the world feels particularly unsettled, meaningful human connection and shared learning experiences help bring us together. Road Scholar participants step beyond the role of “tourist” and into the world of engaged traveler, both figuratively and literally — whether learning at home or across the globe.
For participant Sandy Curtis, a Road Scholar program in Southeast Asia became a transformative learning experience:
"We attended a lecture from a Buddhist monk who travels the world speaking about Buddhism. I had always thought of Buddhism as a religion, but I learned it’s a philosophy — one that can complement any faith. More than that, I was struck by the profound gentleness and respect that define the culture. Respect for parents, elders, monks, even elephants. It was humbling to be surrounded by such kindness, and I returned home glowing, determined to carry that same spirit forward in my own life."
For Betsy Tabac, Road Scholar’s online learning opportunities opened a new window into the world:
“At 85, I am much less motivated to travel as I once did. However, just because my energy is flagging doesn't mean my brain is any less curious than it always has been. I now live in a small town without all the cultural and educational opportunities available elsewhere, and boy, do I miss them. BUT, thanks to major innovations that occurred during my lifetime, the Internet and Zoom, Road Scholar was able to fulfill a very large emptiness in my life. I was so grateful to discover the availability of the Road Scholar online programs: perfect for the stay-at-home but mentally active elder living in an out-of-the-mainstream place. So glad Road Scholar is aging, and aging well, along with me.”
Road Scholar programs immerse participants in history, art, culture, the environment, theories and ideas, offering insight into different ways of thinking and opportunities to share perspectives. Road Scholar programs not only inspire, but they also strengthen our shared humanity, and that has the power to make the world a better place — one connection at a time.
Road Scholar’s 50th anniversary is a celebration of the future and an affirmation of the power of learning to transform the way we age. Life is precious. Follow your dreams, learn something new, connect with others, engage with different concepts and ideas, discover the world, explore your mind, age adventurously and live the ideal that learning is the journey of a lifetime.