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

Applications for Explore America 2024 are now closed. To be alerted when applications open for 2025, sign up for our Programs and Events emails.

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30 General Awards

This year, HI USA will award 30 General Explore America Travel Scholarships to people aged 18-30 from anywhere in the United States who meet eligibility criteria.

1 Peggy Stevens Award

Each year in honor of longtime HI USA board member Peggy Stevens, we award one additional Explore America Travel Scholarship to a current or former Girl Scout who meets all other eligibility requirements.

Program Overview and FAQs

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

Overview & FAQs

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