The Service Scholarship and Financial Aid enable high school students to cover part or all of their program fees. We believe an education abroad through summer programs is essential, so we provide scholarships on a rolling basis to prospective students from diverse backgrounds. The awards students receive are for summer scholarships. All travel will occur between June and August 2025. Please be sure your program selections have departure dates that work for you. Available dates can be found on each program page. We recommend you start fundraising now to fund your dream summer program, or if you do receive financial assistance, to cover expenses such as a portion of the program fee, airfare, and any add-ons like insurance. Scholarship opportunities are limited, and we try to maximize the grant program and the number of students involved. We do this through sourcing specific scholarships for community service, seeking many study abroad scholarships, awarding scholarships to students who will be strong cultural ambassadors. Scholarship opportunities are not limited to those with community service experience. We appreciate anyone who possesses a Rustic spirit and makes volunteer efforts. We encourage students to seek more information on eligible programs, fundraising and FAQs below. Please keep in mind, in addition to the financial support from these volunteer scholarships, you will be responsible for a portion of the program fee, airfare, insurance and any other add on item. Scholarship applicants will serve as ambassadors for Rustic Pathways. As part of the program, you’ll earn financial aid based on your involvement and the work you do in spreading the word about Rustic Pathways. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference and share your passion for travel and service, while working towards your own transformative experience with Rustic Pathways. Apply Here
Recommended Programs Pura Vida Service (Costa Rica) Turtle Conservation Project (Costa Rica) Turtle Conservation Project (College) (Costa Rica) Sun, Sand, and Island Service (Fiji) Thai Elephant Conservation Project (Thailand) Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii (USA) Beachside Service (Dominican Republic) Seoul Searching (South Korea) In choosing your program selections, please keep in mind it is likely you will be responsible for a portion of the program fee, airfare, and any add-ons like insurance. View more travel information on each program page. Fundraising for Community Service Scholarships We strongly recommend you start fundraising now to fund your dream summer program, or if you do receive aid, to cover expenses such as a portion of the program fee, airfare, and any add-ons like insurance. View our resources to help you start fundraising here. Rustic Pathways Fundraising Guide How To Fundraise For Your Service-Learning Trip: Tips and Ideas That Actually Work
Frequently Asked Questions About Community Service Scholarships Where do I apply for summer scholarships? Use the form on this page to apply to summer scholarships. When is the deadline to apply? There is no hard deadline. We award on a rolling basis. What is the process? Do I have to do anything after I submit the application? Yes, after you submit your application, we will contact you with the next steps. You’ll earn financial aid based on your involvement and the work you do in spreading the word about Rustic Pathways. Which programs are eligible? Pura Vida Service (Costa Rica) Turtle Conservation Project (Costa Rica) Turtle Conservation Project (College) (Costa Rica) Sun, Sand, and Island Service (Fiji) Thai Elephant Conservation Project (Thailand) Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii (USA) Beachside Service (Dominican Republic) Seoul Searching (South Korea) What if I want a program that’s not on the selection list? Our program selections are carefully selected for their mix of fun, adventure, community-service, exposure to new cultures and opportunities to experience personal growth. These programs are also great programs for first-time travelers. If you feel this selection isn’t right for you, this opportunity may not be the best fit. If I get an award of financial aid, can I switch to a different program? Yes, you may switch to a different community service-focused program, but your award amount will not change. I am not a United States citizen. Can I apply? Yes! We accept applicants from all over the world. Can I apply if I’ve traveled with Rustic Pathways before? The Service Program Financial Aid is for first-time travel program participants only. Can I enroll in a program before receiving an award? Yes, you may. Please remember that applying does not guarantee you will receive an award. You’ll earn financial aid based on your involvement and the work you do in spreading the word about Rustic Pathways. What does the financial aid or scholarship award cover? If you get travel financial aid you receive a partial award that goes towards your program fee. This means you will be paying the rest of the program fee, airfare, insurance and for a visa if necessary. If you receive a travel scholarship, this will cover most to all of your program fee. You will be responsible for payments for airfare, insurance and for a visa if necessary. What if I can’t pay for my portion of the program fee, airfare, insurance and visas? We strongly recommend you start fundraising now to fund your dream summer program, or if you do receive aid, to cover expenses such as a portion of the program fee, airfare, and any add-ons like insurance. View our resources to help you start fundraising here. Rustic Pathways Fundraising Guide How To Fundraise For Your Service-Learning Trip: Tips and Ideas That Actually Work I Want To Fundraise For My Service-Learning Trip But Don’t Know Where to Start When do I travel? All travel will occur between June-August 2025. Please be sure your program selections have departure dates that work for you. Available dates can be found on each program page. View more travel information on each program page. When do I find out if I received the service program financial aid or a scholarship? We will send you the timeline after you apply. Must I have a demonstrated financial need? To apply for the Rustic Pathways Service Scholarship you do not need to have demonstrated financial need. However, we will prioritize applicants with demonstrated financial need. Are these scholarships need based scholarships or merit based scholarships? These scholarships are both need and merit based. Where else can I learn about study abroad scholarships? We offer many study abroad scholarship resources on our website. Can college students apply for service scholarships? Can graduate students apply? Our programs eligible for a scholarship award are for students between the ages of 13-21.