Explore America Scholarship Program Requirements

The following documents are required from all awardees:   

• Explore America Contract  
• Release and Indemnification 
• Verification of Demonstrated Financial Need 
• Copy of Government Issued ID (school is not accepted) 
• W-2 (this award is considered taxable income by the IRS)  
• Direct Deposit Form
• Completed Pre-Travel Survey  
• Submitted headshot and video profile as per HI USA guidelines  

Required Documents are due by the acceptance deadline (within 10 days of notification.) Failure to submit required documents on time will result in forfeiture of award.  

All awardees must attend at least 2 virtual workshops provided by HI USA.  

Topics may include:  

• Orientation (required),  
• Hostelling 101 – Discover why hostels are a great way to travel!  
• Experience the City – Dive into the culture of your travel location!  
• Travel Logistics – How to plan your trip from transportation to sites!  
• Packing – How to pack efficiently!  
• Creating Memories – How to take great photos and videos of your travel!  

Fund requests open during the travel period.  Awardees should request pre-travel funds ($1200) at least 45 days prior to departure from the U.S. to ensure funds arrive in advance.  

Travel funds may be used to prepare for your trip including transportation*, travel gear, and other travel-related items.  

*awardees must book their own transportation  

Funds are disbursed by direct deposit.  

Awardees may travel during the Travel Period (see above). 

Awardees must travel for a minimum of 4 nights and a maximum of 7 nights. 

While visiting our hostel locations, awardees should participate in the activities held at the hostel and explore the local community. 

Awardees must post two (2) videos and two (2) images to X (Twitter), Instagram, Tiktok, and/or Facebook as per the HI USA Guidelines and tag @hiusa and/or #exploreamericahiusa  

Travel must be completed by the end of the Travel Period (see above). Failure to complete travel by the deadline will result in forfeiture of award, and all disbursed funds must be returned to HI USA. 

Awardee will need to record a post-travel impact video and write an impact statement as per HI USA guidelines. Awardees must also complete a post-travel survey.  

The post-travel request includes an upload of travel images and videos along with the impact video and statement.  

Funds are disbursed by direct deposit.  

After everyone has returned from their travels, the awardees will participate in a final virtual program! Awardees can share insights gained from their travels (and discuss their future travels now that you’ve been inspired!) 

We will also discuss ways to stay engaged with HI USA, including applying for Explore the World if eligible! 

We reserve the right to modify this agreement and any policies of the HI USA Explore America Travel Scholarship. Modification is effect upon posting to our website or distribution via email or conventional mail.