Teen Travel Scholarships and Financial Aid: How to Make Programs Affordable
Cost can be the deciding factor for a summer trip.
We understand that.
When families ask us about scholarships or ways to make a trip work financially, the best first step is a direct conversation. A public formula can only go so far. Your family’s situation is specific, and the trip you are considering matters too.
Start with RLT
RLT works with a range of scholarship organizations and reserves a minimum of 10% of enrollment for program scholarship recipients.
If cost is the part slowing you down, complete the scholarship form or schedule a call with our team. We can talk through the trip you are considering, what support may be available, and what the full cost picture looks like beyond tuition.
Other ways families help fund a trip
Families use different combinations to make teen travel possible. These are not RLT-specific programs, and each one depends on your own community, timing, and comfort level.
Teen earnings.
Babysitting, tutoring, yard work, dog walking, seasonal jobs, and summer work can help a student contribute to the trip. It also gives them ownership before they ever leave home.
Family-led fundraising.
Some families create a focused fundraiser for one specific trip. This works best when the student can explain where they are going, what they will do, and what they are working toward.
School or PTO support.
Some schools, clubs, service groups, or parent organizations have small travel or service-learning grants. Ask a school counselor, advisor, or PTO contact whether anything is available.
Community organizations.
Local Rotary clubs, Lions Clubs, faith communities, youth organizations, and community foundations sometimes support student travel, service, or leadership experiences. The awards may be small, but several small contributions can help.
Family gifts.
Some families ask grandparents or relatives to contribute toward the trip instead of birthday, holiday, or graduation gifts.
Most families who fundraise use more than one path: some family contribution, some student earnings, and one or two outside sources.
What to plan for beyond tuition
Each of our trip pages lists tuition. Families should also plan for costs that are not included in tuition.
That may include:
- Flights from home to the trip start airport and back home from the trip end airport
- Trip insurance, required for international trips and strongly recommended for domestic trips
- Personal clothing and toiletries
- Individual gear, such as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or hiking boots, depending on the trip
- Passport fees for international programs
- Visa fees when required
- Baggage fees
- Personal spending money for souvenirs or small extras
The trip-specific packing list is the best source for gear. Do not guess from a generic outdoor list. Some trips need very specific items. Others do not.
Ask before you assume
If you are looking at a trip and trying to understand the full budget, call us.
We can walk through:
- Tuition
- Flights
- Insurance
- Gear
- Passport or visa needs
- Spending money
- Scholarship options
- The trip-specific packing list
A five-minute conversation can prevent a lot of guessing.
Questions families often ask
Does RLT offer scholarships?
RLT works with a range of scholarship organizations and reserves a minimum of 10% of enrollment for program scholarship recipients. Families interested in scholarships or financial aid should complete the scholarship form or schedule a call.
Can my teen help earn money toward the trip?
Yes. Many students contribute through babysitting, tutoring, yard work, dog walking, seasonal jobs, or other work in their community.
Can we fundraise?
Yes. Families may choose to fundraise on their own. A clear, specific fundraiser usually works better than a general one. Have your teen explain the trip, the service work, and why they want to go.
Can we pay in installments?
Ask us directly during enrollment. Payment timing depends on the trip, the enrollment date, and your family’s situation.
What if our financial situation changes after enrollment?
Call us as soon as you can. It is always easier to talk through options early.
Talk with us
If cost is the main question, start with a call.
We can talk through the trip, what is included, what your family should plan for separately, and whether scholarship support may be available.