Explore America Travel Scholarship

HI USA's Explore America program helps young Americans with demonstrated financial need kickstart their travel dreams. Your trip begins here. Your journey never ends.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for empowering me to do more, see more, and be more myself.

Katrina Petrauskas, Explore America Recipient Chicago, IL

Application Deadline is February 21, 2023

In 2023, we'll award a total of 36 Explore America Scholarships across three eligibility categories.

General Explore America Scholarships

25 scholarships open to people aged 18-30 from anywhere in the United States who meet eligibility criteria.

NYC Explore America Scholarships

10 additional scholarships open only to residents of New York City who meet all other eligibility criteria.

Peggy Stevens Explore America Scholarship

1 additional scholarship open to current and former Girl Scouts, in honor of longtime HI USA board member Peggy Stevens.

Program Overview, FAQs, and Application

Recipients are awarded a $1500 travel stipend and 4-7 free nights at a participating HI USA hostel of their choice. To learn more and apply, read through our program overview and FAQs .

Overview, FAQs, and Application

Award Requirements

Eligible applicants must:

  • be 18-30 years old
  • be a US citizen or permanent resident (including DACA recipients)
  • have a demonstrated financial need
Award Requirements

By traveling, we step out of our comfort zone, learn to adjust, adapt, be empathetic and tolerant towards differences.

Hieu Vo, Explore America Recipient Silver Spring, MD

All in all, New York was a thrill! I met many people from all over the world. Least to say, the attractions were beyond beautiful. The enablement of being able to travel to New York definitely made me want to further pursue my interest and hobby of traveling.

Lizvett Guizar, Explore America Recipient San Francisco, CA