A Helping Hand: Road Scholar’s Financial Assistance & Scholarship Programs

“With the generous support of our donors, we are proud to offer financial aid and scholarships to adults 50 and over,” says Ann Simanis, Associate Vice President, Advancement. “We believe in providing older adults with the opportunity to experience the joy of discovery, respite and camaraderie on one of our learning adventures. Whether studying art history, hiking the Grand Canyon, or exploring architecture on one of our Signature City programs, we offer endless choices for participants to experience the benefits of lifelong learning.”

Originally called Hostelships, Elderhostel (at the time) set aside $1 of every tuition payment to offer financial assistance for those individuals needing support. In 1992, the Annual Fund replaced this method to raise funds. Over the years, with the support of our donors, Road Scholar has been able to expand financial assistance through the following types of aid.

Financial Assistance

Since our early days, Road Scholar has earmarked funds to help lifelong learners without the financial ability to participate in our programs. Today, thanks to the generosity of our donors, more than 200 scholarships are awarded each year. 

The scholarship from Road Scholar made it possible for me to take my first solo trip as a widow. In my husband Rich’s honor, I enrolled in Hiking the Grand Canyon: Adventures On and Below the South Rim in the fall of 2023. I often thought about Rich and how much he would have loved the canyon. I brought some of his ashes to scatter in the canyon. It was bittersweet.

— Colleen G., New Jersey, Road Scholar Class of ’23

Caregiver Grants

Launched in 2015, Caregiver Grants offer respite for those who are primary unpaid caregivers. Road Scholar understands the emotional and physical demands of providing daily care and support to a loved one and is committed to helping them attend one of our learning adventures. Individuals caring for an ill or disabled family member (spouse, parent, adult child, partner or sibling) are eligible to apply for this grant.

Thank you to Road Scholar for making the Caregiver Grant available. It has brought me peace and joy. Upon receiving this grant, I chose History and Ecology: Okefenokee Swamp, Amelia & Cumberland Islands because my father would say that the sun and water have healing properties.

— Michelle M., Illinois, Road Scholar Class of ‘24

Scholarships for Educators (PEAR)

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Road Scholar began offering the “Professional Educator’s Assistance Recognition” Scholarship (PEAR) in 2018. Active or retired educators with limited means can apply for this scholarship. This includes prior or current employment with any educational organization (public or private early childhood, primary, secondary or higher education).

The PEAR Scholarship came at a good time. Five days before Christmas last year, I lost my sister to cancer. Thankfully, the anticipation of the program I chose, Virginia, Mother of Presidents: Seven Historic Sites, gave me something to look forward to when I was depressed. I never thought I would be honored in this way. Road Scholar made this the best trip and learning experience ever!

— Susan S., Illinois, Road Scholar Class of ‘24

Adventures Online Scholarships

If traveling is not an option, Road Scholar’s Adventure Online programming presents shortened online experiences that allow participants to learn from the comfort of home. Introduced in 2020, these multi-day online adventures are led by expert instructors who foster discussions and interaction among fellow Road Scholars.

As a caregiver, opportunity to travel is limited. With this award and fine program, The Legends & History of Turkey, I was able to gain special insight not available without the travel itself, which I miss. As a younger man, I traveled with my wife. We had planned an in-depth visit to Turkey, but life and medical complications got in the way. This scholarship is a wonderful gift to those of us who care for those who can’t care for themselves, but want to learn by traveling nevertheless.

— David G., California, Road Scholar Class of ‘24

As Road Scholar celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are excited to offer financial aid and scholarships to adult learners and thank our community of dedicated supporters for making them possible. Learn more about supporting or applying for financial aid.