For many students, the biggest hurdle standing between them and a life-changing travel experience isn’t interest or enthusiasm—it’s cost.

Even with smart planning choices like traveling in the off-season or choosing a less tourist-heavy destination, finances can still be a real barrier.

The sooner you get the fundraising ball rolling, the better. Even for your trips coming up in 2027, you’ll benefit from starting now! This can mean raising funds for your full group, or encouraging students and their families to get started—saving, applying to travel scholarships, organizing events, whatever it takes.

Below are some tried-and-true fundraising ideas designed to bring your community together, spark excitement, and help more students see the world.

ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY

Your community is one of your greatest resources. Being visible, present, and vocal about your trip not only spreads awareness—it helps people feel invested in your students’ success. Don’t hesitate to connect with local businesses and potential corporate sponsors as well.

Photos, stories, and student testimonials from previous trips can work wonders. Show the transformation travel brings—the confidence, curiosity, and joy. When donors can see the impact, they can better understand exactly what they’re supporting, and you’re building relationships that can last for years to come.

GET THE GOODS

Selling tangible items may feel “old school,” but it’s a classic for a reason—it works. The key is choosing items people actually want and will use (no random dust collectors needed!).

Go with crowd-pleasers:
Sweet treats like candy or chocolate.
Fun food kits like popcorn or pizza.
Seasonal favorites like poinsettias or wreaths.
Useful home items like candles.
Or even handmade crafts created by students themselves.

Meaningful + practical = support you can count on.

EVENTS AND AUCTIONS

Events bring people together—and they can be wonderfully fun while doing serious fundraising work. We’ve seen educators have great success with car washes, bake sales, raffle nights, and restaurant fundraisers. Host a silent auction with items donated by local businesses. Organize a secondhand or vintage sale with treasures from families’ homes. Or invite the community in for something entertaining, like a student talent show or trivia night.

Service-based fundraising can be powerful, too. Students can volunteer at community events, help with yardwork or snow shoveling, assist at local fairs, or participate in community cleanup efforts in exchange for support.

Just be sure to check your school or district guidelines so everything stays compliant.

GET AHEAD

When it comes to funding a trip, time truly is your friend. Planning early gives students—and families—the breathing room they need to make fundraising manageable. Many groups begin at least a year out, sometimes even two.

Be clear and transparent about financial expectations from the start. Share deadlines early. Consider offering payment plans. The more time families have, the more realistic the dream becomes.

SCHOLARSHIPS

And remember—there are scholarships out there designed specifically to support student travel, including opportunities through the SYTA Youth Foundation and similar organizations. These financial resources open doors for thousands of students every year and are absolutely worth pursuing.

For 33 years, The Haygoods have been performing together in Branson, putting their own twist on classic music.

From a modest mobile home in the Ozark backwoods to sold-out theatre runs and international tours, the Haygood family turned a shared passion for music into a decades-spanning creative enterprise.

Every year, they revisit the show to make sure it stays fresh, with new routines, songs and updated technology, such as interactive audience experiences, holograms and drone light shows. Not to mention the practical special effects, including pyrotechnics and stunts. But they also make sure to slow down with some more stripped-down songs, showcasing their musicality and mountain roots.

We talked with Joe Modglin, groups specialist, about why The Haygoods—Branson’s most popular show—is perfect for student groups.

Why do you think The Haygoods is a great experience for students?

The family delivers an unforgettable, high-energy show packed with incredible music, jaw-dropping special effects, and world-class talent all in a fun, family-friendly environment that’s perfect for students of all ages. With a mix of popular hits, stunning production technology, and a true story of sibling success, The Haygoods inspire young audiences while keeping them fully engaged. Located in student group–friendly Branson, MO, the show offers educational value, group discounts, and behind-the-scenes opportunities that make it more than just entertainment—it’s a unique and memorable experience that students will be talking about long after the trip ends.

What kind of feedback do you hear from educators/group leaders afterward?

Group Leaders like the ease of organizing of their groups, specifically when partnering with Directors Choice, which reduces the planning load a lot! Leaders also like the educational and inspirational aspects—performing before our show, musical versatility, the family working together, creative production which can be inspiring for students to continue with a musical career after High School. One of the MAIN things is that group leaders like that we have appropriate content! We offer clean entertainment, family-friendly and broad appeal, which makes THE HAYGOODS the #1 show for students and chaperones! 

Can you tell us about the meet-and-greet experience you offer for groups?

Our student groups are able to meet The Haygoods after the show. This will include questions and answers so that we can inspire students to continue music and pursue the American dream if they work hard. When group leaders travel to other places in the USA and see a show, most likely the group would not be able to interact with the performers. 

Any perks that educators should know about?

When booking with Directors Choice, groups will receive better pricing, better seat location (based on availability), and a private meet and greet that other student groups do not receive. 

To learn more, head to thehaygoods.com/groups.