Be the Difference: Your Gift Can be Life-Changing for an Adult Learner!
You may not realize the impact and life-changing difference your gift to not-for-profit Road Scholar can make to an adult learner. With your support, we are working together to bring about a change that is bigger than all of us — we’re empowering a generation of lifelong learners to reach for the stars, discover the world and build connections and friendships with fellow Road Scholars who share their love of learning. This remarkable journey is only possible with the kind generosity of our donors.
In the words of South African bishop and theologian Desmond Tutu, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Program Development
Road Scholar depends on the support of our community of participants, donors and friends as we develop new programs to address the requests we receive. Some of you asked for slower-paced programs with less walking and more sitting, while others have requested Women-Only Learning Adventures, led by women and just for women. We’re happy to say we’ve delivered on both of these! And for those asking for more solo experiences, we’ve added to our collection of Go Solo programs.
Additionally, for our armchair travelers, we continue to expand Adventures Online and Online Lectures. Last year, nearly 45,000 of you joined us in cyberspace to connect with experts and each other. With the kindness of our supporters, we are also excited to offer complimentary online programs, like our new Age Well series, designed to provide valuable insights and expert guidance for navigating the aging journey with confidence.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
Your thoughtfulness touches the lives of individuals in our community in more ways than you can ever imagine. The gifts we receive enable Road Scholar to award Caregiver Grants (to those who are or have served as a primary caregiver to a loved one), PEAR scholarships (for active and retired individuals in the education field) and financial assistance to older adults who would not be able to attend one of our learning adventures without aid.
Michelle R.
Here are just a few stories of the individuals whose lives have been impacted by the support of our donors:
Michelle R. found healing and rejuvenation thanks to a Road Scholar Caregiver Grant after caring for both of her parents.
Imagine losing not one but both of your parents within nine months of each other after being their primary caregiver. Michelle R., a retired pre-K teacher and avid cyclist, cared for her mom, Dolly, when she was diagnosed with advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After Dolly passed, Michelle brought her ailing dad, Raymond, to live with her in Florida. Nine months after her mother’s passing, Michelle’s dad also passed away. A Road Scholar Caregiver Grant gave Michelle much-needed respite after caring for and losing both of her parents.
“When I received notification from Road Scholar of the award of the Caregiver Grant, I became overwhelmed with gratitude,” says Michelle. “I felt like there was something to look forward to. The anticipation of this program filled me with excitement and gave me something positive to focus on.” She attended Biking the Idaho Panhandle on Rails to Trails to rekindle her love for biking. Read Michelle’s story on our blog.
Susan S.
Susan S. never thought her years of teaching would be recognized with a Road Scholar PEAR Scholarship.
Susan S., a retired special education teacher, participated in Virginia, Mother of Presidents: Seven Historic Sites as the recipient of Road Scholar’s Professional Educator’s Assistance and Recognition (PEAR) scholarship. Susan discovered this scholarship while browsing the Road Scholar website. She writes, “I never thought I would be honored in this way. Road Scholar made this the best learning experience ever!” Read more about Susan’s learning adventure on our blog.
Colleen G.
Grand (Canyon) goals became a reality for Colleen G. with Road Scholar’s financial assistance.
Lifelong learner Colleen G. was able to experience her first solo adventure after the loss of her husband, Rich, with financial assistance from Road Scholar. On a limited budget after his passing, Colleen heard about Road Scholar’s financial assistance program and decided to apply. She selected Hiking the Grand Canyon: Adventures On and Below the South Rim.
Colleen found the leadership inspirational and conducive to her own personal growth. “I often thought about Rich and how much he would have loved the canyon. I brought some of his ashes to scatter in the canyon, so he was with me even though it wasn’t as we had imagined it would be when we first planned the trip,” says Colleen. “It was bittersweet.” Read more about Colleen’s learning adventure on our blog.
You Can Make a Difference!
Your kindness can and does make a difference. Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated as we work together to enrich the lives of thousands of lifelong learners in our community, this year and in the years to come. Learn more about ways you can give today.