SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) "Road Scholarships" program

The SYF "Road" Scholarship

Purpose
Formed in the year 2000, The SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) is the non-profit, philanthropic sister organization of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA®). The SYF established the SYF "Road" Scholarship program in 2002 to award funds to youth who, for various reasons, are unable to afford the cost of their group's travel. Based on the belief that travel is essential to a complete education, it is the SYF's goal to make a positive difference, through travel, in the young lives of our global citizens. Since September 2010 SYF has awarded over one hundred scholarships to deserving youth. Scholarships are awarded based on circumstances and need as documented in the completed application form.

Road Scholarship FAQs
What is a Road Scholarship?
A Road Scholarship is financial aid granted to an eligible student or young person for education- or performance-related travel with their class or youth group. The SYF Board of Trustees has the final decision as to each award and each award is made at its sole discretion.

When can I apply for a Road Scholarship?
There are 3 application deadlines for Road Scholarships and applications will only be accepted online:
Application Period Applications Accepted Announcement Date
August 2010 August 1-31 week of October 15th
November 2010 November 1-30 week of January 15th
March 2011 March 1-31 week of May 15th

Applicants should note that the decision process takes approximately six weeks from the date of the application deadline. Please note this time frame when planning to meet trip payment deadlines.Please also note that SYF Road Scholarships can only be applied to travel costs of the specific trip indicated in the application. This trip must take place within 6 months of the Announcement Date.

How much money is awarded for each Road Scholarship?
The scholarship amount varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on the cost of specific trips, the demonstrated need of the applicant, and the number of applicants in a given application period. The average Road Scholarship granted is $600. No more than $1000 will be awarded to a single student.

How many Road Scholarships are awarded for each application period?
The number of scholarships awarded depends upon the number of applications received in a given period, the cost of specific trips, and the general level of need in a given applicant pool. The average number of scholarships awarded is often between 40-60 per application period.

Can more than one student going on a single trip win a Road Scholarship?
Yes, but SYF reserves the right to limit the number of students receiving scholarships from a single school per application period. Specifically, a single trip cannot receive more than $1000. This limit exists in order to spread the benefits of the Road Scholarship program to a broad number of students and organizations. There is no guarantee that a given trip will receive any funding from the Road Scholarship program.
What are my student's chances of winning a Road Scholarship?

Because the number of scholarships awarded per application period varies, so do the odds of winning. The Road Scholarship program generally receives between 600 and 900 applications each period, and awards only 40-60 scholarships.

Who can apply for a Road Scholarship?
- Any student or youth ages 25 and under
- Applicants must be participating in some form of student/youth group travel, including but not limited to class field trips, youth group or choir trips, and study abroad programs
- Applicants must demonstrate circumstances that prohibit them from participating in the travel program due to financial need.
- Applicants must not be related to a SYTA member or SYF Trustee.
- Applicants must not be a relative of Association Management Group owners or employees

How do I apply for a Road Scholarship?
The student's teacher, school administrator, group leader, parent, or other adult familiar with the student and scheduled trip must nominate a student for a Road Scholarship. Students cannot directly apply for a Road Scholarship

For further info visit SYF "Road" Scholarship website here