Scholarship Program

The mission of Hostelling International USA is "to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling."

Hostelling International-Chicago implements this mission in part through its scholarship program. For groups and individuals that meet the criteria below, we will consider your application to waive the cost for one or more nights during your stay at the hostel. Most scholarships are for one night of a multi-night stay. All scholarship requests are subject to availability.

The Hostelling International-Chicago Scholarship Program is supported by the City of Chicago, Hostelling International USA, Illinois State Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools, Polk Bros. Foundation and individual donors.

Hostelling International-Chicago is an Illinois nonprofit corporation and a qualified IRS§ 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about making a donation please visit the "Support the Hostel" portion of this website.

Click here to go to the Scholarship Application.

Scholarship Criteria
Purpose: The Scholarship Program provides groups and individuals the chance to experience the educational opportunities offered at the J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel in downtown Chicago. The program targets groups and individuals from Chicago and Illinois who are of limited means.

Groups

• Group must originate from Chicago or Illinois.
• Group must have a financial need that, without the scholarship, would prevent them from staying at the hostel.
• Groups must have 10 or more participants.
• Groups including persons 17 years old or younger must have at least one adult chaperone for every 10 minors.

Individuals

• Individuals must be 18 years old or older.
• Individuals must be enrolled in a university or other institute of higher education.
• Individuals must be residents of Illinois or enrolled in an Illinois university or other Illinois institute of higher education.
• Individuals must have a financial need that, without the scholarship, would prevent them from staying at the hostel.

Decisions: Scholarships will be awarded at the discretion of hostel staff based on availability at the hostel and the merit of the application.

Deadline: You may submit an application at any time. We recommend that you submit your application more than two (2) months prior to the date of the requested overnight stay.

Click here to go to the Scholarship Application.

Groups: For more information about scholarships, contact Rey Matos at: [email protected]

Individuals: For more information about scholarships, contact Thomas Applegate at: [email protected]