Learn more about Alternative Breaks!

Creating a community of active citizens by empowering students through direct service opportunities.

Every year, the Alternative Breaks program educates, trains and sends groups of 10-15 students into their local and global communities to experience hands-on work with social justice issues.

The Alternative Breaks Program is a student-focused initiative that organizes international and domestic service breaks with a social justice perspective during Winter and Spring Breaks. Alternative Breaks are service-learning experiences designed to heighten participants’ awareness of critical social issues, enhance their individual growth, and prepare them for lifelong social action. Each student-initiated break integrates service, reflection and education and focuses on topics as varied as poverty, indigenous rights, structural racism, human rights, animal advocacy, gender equality, and the environment.

Each service break is lead by student site leaders who are selected based on past AB participation and ability to plan and execute impactful experiences. Site leaders assist in the logistical planning process, pre-trip meetings and service, group reflections during the breaks, and post-trip service and reorientation. Check the "Apply Here" tab for more information about participating on a break or getting more involved with the program.