Rustic Pathways’ Service Program Financial Aid is competitive scholarships that enable students to cover part or all of the program fee. The Service Program Financial Aid is based on financial need and merit. Applicants must be first-time Rustic travelers who meet our financial need criteria.
Applying to receive Service Program Financial Aid does not guarantee you will receive it. This is a competitive process with a limited amount of awards for summer 2024.
Your belief in my potential and willingness to invest in my dreams through this scholarship touched me deeply. It was not merely a financial contribution but a profound act of kindness and trust that empowered me to embark on this life-changing adventure.
Quote by: Anghelina Severin | Chisinau, Moldova Service Program Scholarship Recipient, 2023
Eligible Programs
- Pura Vida Service (Costa Rica)
- Intro to Community Service (Fiji)
- Thai Elephant Conservation Project (Thailand)
- Turtle Conservation Project (Costa Rica)
- Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii (USA)
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.
All travel will occur between June-August 2024. 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.
Proof of Household Income
You will be asked to provide proof of household income.
We accept: FAFSA, federal tax forms, or social security benefit documents to verify income eligibility. If you are not a U.S. resident, any tax document from your government will be accepted. Tax filings must be from 2022 or 2023.
Eligibility
The Service Program Financial Aid is for first-time travel program participants only. Financial aid is merit and need-based, so the quality of the application will be judged along with the financial need.
Fundraising
Applying to receive financial aid does not guarantee you will receive it. This is a highly competitive process with a limited amount of awards. 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.
Required Materials
- Digital Copy of Household Income Statement
- Three Short Essay Responses
- TikTok Video Submission
- Follow @RusticPathways on TikTok
Essay | Perspective: Tell us a story about the most eye-opening experience that changed the way you see the world.
Essay | Personal Statement: Share your story. What details about your background, identity, interest, or talents should we know?
Essay | Motivation: Why do you want to participate in a Rustic Pathways program?
Video | Aspiration: How are you going to participate while on a program and how are you going to give back after the program?
Follow on TikTok: Follow us on TikTok. In order to be considered for financial aid, applicants must follow our TikTok account to see the latest announcements and updates.
Video Requirements
In a TikTok video, tell us how are you going to participate while on a Rustic Pathways program and how are you going to give back after the program. Be creative. Be passionate. Be your authentic self. Use the hashtags #IDeserveTravel and #RusticPathways so we see your video!
All videos must be:
- Submitted publicly through TikTok
- Using the hashtags #IDeserveTravel and #RusticPathways
- Your original creation
- Suitable for publication
Videos must not:
- Have won previous awards
- Have been previously published
- Infringe on any third-party rights
- Violate TikTok’s content and community guidelines
The deadline to apply is January 28th, 2024. Apply using the form at the bottom of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I apply?
Use the form below.
When is the deadline to apply?
January 28th, 2024
What is the process? Do I have to do anything after I submit the application?
Yes, after you submit your application there are two interview rounds after the submission deadline. First, you submit the application. It requires three short essay submissions and one video submission. Next, we will contact you in January or February 2024 for the virtual interview rounds.
Which programs are eligible?
- Pura Vida Service (Costa Rica)
- Intro to Community Service (Fiji)
- Thai Elephant Conservation Project (Thailand)
- Turtle Conservation Project (Costa Rica)
- Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii (USA)
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, 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. We encourage those who have signed up to consult our fundraising guide.
Am I guaranteed to get financial aid or a scholarship if I apply?
Applying to receive financial aid does not guarantee you will receive it. This is a highly competitive process with a limited amount of awards.
You are more likely to receive financial aid or a scholarship if you submit well-written essays, respond to our review committee emails and attend the virtual interviews or phone calls.
You must submit all materials by the deadlines. There will be no exceptions.
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.
In some cases we do offer flight awards as well.
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.
What are the video requirements?
In a TikTok video, tell us how are you going to participate while on a Rustic Pathways program and how are you going to give back after the program. Be creative. Be passionate. Be your authentic self. Use the hashtags #IDeserveTravel and #RusticPathways so we see your video!
All videos must be:
- Submitted publicly through TikTok
- Using the hashtags #IDeserveTravel and #RusticPathways
- Your original creation
- Suitable for publication
Videos must not:
- Have won previous awards
- Have been previously published
- Infringe on any third-party rights
- Violate TikTok’s content and community guidelines
What if I don’t have TikTok?
No problem! You may submit your video on Instagram or YouTube as well. Just make sure you provide the link to the video on the application form.
Follow us on the platform you submitted your video on.
What forms do I have to provide to apply?
You will be asked to provide proof of household income.
We accept: FAFSA, federal tax forms, or social security benefit documents to verify income eligibility. If you are not a U.S. resident, any tax document from your government will be accepted. Tax filings must be from 2022 or 2023.
Do I have to provide proof of household income?
Yes. FAFSA, federal tax forms, or social security benefit documents to verify income eligibility. If you are not a U.S. resident, any tax document from your government will be accepted. Tax filings must be from 2022 or 2023.
When do I travel?
All travel will occur between June-August 2024. 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?
Financial aid and scholarship recipients will be notified in February after the interviews.
Receiving this scholarship has been a life-changing experience for me. Your belief in my personal qualities, merit, and financial need has not only granted me the chance to participate in this remarkable program but also affirmed my dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Quote by: Apurva Anand | Jharkhand, India Service Program Scholarship Recipient, 2023
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