Travelers
Fundraising & Scholarships
Making educational travel possible for every student — financial resources, fundraising ideas, and scholarship opportunities.
Travel Shouldn't Be Out of Reach
We believe every student deserves the opportunity to experience the world beyond the classroom. Whether you're looking for scholarships, grants, or creative fundraising strategies, ETSI is here to help make your trip a reality. Below you'll find a curated list of financial resources and proven fundraising ideas to help offset the cost of your educational travel experience.
Fundraising Ideas
Many groups successfully offset travel costs through creative fundraising. Here are some proven strategies that have worked for other ETSI students and groups:
Crowdfunding
Use the personal donation link provided in your registration portal or other platforms like GoFundMe to share your group's story and your personal travel goals to raise funds from friends, family, and community supporters.
Bake Sales
Coordinate a bake sale at school events, sporting games, or community gatherings to raise funds for your trip. You can also offer your baked goods to friends and family for holiday events - such as Valentine's Day!
Candy, Wreaths, Poinsettia Sales
Sell candy bars, wreaths, poinsettias or other popular items--a simple and popular option for groups of all sizes.
Restaurant Nights
Partner with a local restaurant for a fundraiser night where a percentage of sales goes toward your travel fund.
Car Washes
A classic and effective fundraiser. Organize a group car wash at a local business or school parking lot on a weekend.
Auction Events
Host a silent or live auction featuring donated items and experiences from local businesses and community members.
Scholarship & Grant Resources
The following organizations may offer financial assistance to students who need help funding their educational travel experience.
SYTA Youth Foundation — The Road Scholarships
Awards funds to youth who are unable to afford the cost of their group's educational travel.
Donors Choose
An innovative crowd-sourced approach to fundraising, taking the needs and issues of American education directly to the public. Proposals must come from teachers, but there is freedom to ask for trips and other big-ticket items.
Local and National Service Clubs
Many national service organizations support youth education and development. Consider reaching out to a local chapter to share your educational travel goals and ask about potential sponsorships or financial assistance. A little community support can make a big difference! Here are some examples to consider: Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks; Lions Club International; American Legion; and Kiwanis International.
Rotary International — District Grants
District grants fund small-scale, short-term activities that address needs in your community and communities abroad. Each district chooses which activities it will fund.
Ready to Start Planning?
Our team is happy to help you explore financial assistance options that are right for you.