What is Alternative Break?
Alternative Breaks, a program of Reeve Union Student Involvement, sends teams of 9 college students to engage in community-based service projects during winter or spring break, providing opportunities for students to learn about the problems faced by members of communities with whom they may otherwise have had little or no direct contact. This immersion in diverse environments enables students to experience, discuss, and understand social issues in a significant way, ultimately, moving students towards action to make a positive impact.
Interested in being part of Alternative Break in 2020? Sign up here for updates.
2020 Trip Locations
Update on Hurricane Recovery
Jan. 25 – Jan. 31, 2020 | Puerto Rico | $1300
On this trip we will be working on continued recovery projects from Hurricane Maria. Projects could include working on construction projects, rebuilding homes and environmental restoration work. We will also spend some time learning about the history and culture of Puerto Rico.
Leadership and Service
March 22 – 27, 2020 | Black Mountain, NC | $500
Students will travel by van to the Blue Ridge Assembly YMCA in North Carolina to work with a variety of agencies that serve needs in the area. All experiences will be hands on. This group will also participate in an outdoor ropes course during their time.
Diversity and Inclusion
March 22 – 27, 2020 | Atlanta, GA | $400
Students will travel by van to Atlanta Georgia to work with agencies that support LGBTQ+ youth and those who are experiencing food insecurity. Service may include work in a thrift store sorting donations, preparing the sales floor ready for sales and serving meals.
Education and Privilege
May 20 – 27, 2020 | Honduras | $1800
On this trip to Honduras students will be working with the non-profit Organization for Youth Empowerment – OYE. OYE’s mission as a community-based, youth-led organization is to develop the leadership and capacity of at-risk Honduran youth who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In Honduras, primary education is free and obligatory for every child between the ages of seven and fourteen, but the associated transportation costs and income-loss to the household when a child is in school is often too much for families to bear, resulting in children who are forced to drop out of school and are thus unable to complete their “obligatory” education. OYE works to increase the number of students completing their education.
Selection
Timeline
Oct. 1
Applications are available
Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Trip leader applications are due
Oct. 25 at 11:59 p.m.
Trip participant priority deadline
Applicants must sign up for an interview at this time
Oct. 21 – 23
AB trip interviews
Nov. 1
AB trip participants notified via email
Nov. 8
AB participant payment one due*
*Failure to make payment one will result in removal from trip
Criteria
Selection will be based off the AB Trip Application and Interview. This trip is a joint venture between Reeve Union and Student Recreation, as such, there are several outside factors considered during selection.
Applicants must have a cumulative 2.25 GPA
(Freshmen should list High School GPA)
Having a record of the following will
remove an applicant from consideration:
Violent or Drug Crimes on CCAP
Campus or Residence Hall Disciplinary Probation
Other incidents that raise concern
Apply To Go!
Payment Schedule
| Payment One | Payment Two | Payment Three | Payment Four | ||
| Nov. 8 | Dec. 6 | Feb. 14 | March 14 | Total | |
| Puerto Rico | $100 | $450 | $375 | $375 | $1300 |
| Black Mountain, NC | $100 | $125 | $150 | $125 | $500 |
| Atlanta, GA | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $400 |
| Honduras | $100 | $550 | $575 | $575 | $1800 |
More Information
FAQs
What costs are covered by my trip fee?
- Trip transportation
- AB T-shirt
- Lodging
- Supplies for service work
- Meals (each trip will let you know which meals are covered)
- International health insurance
What costs aren't covered by my trip fee?
- Snacks or travel day meals
- Extra Activities
- Immunizations/Passport (International trips)
Safety and Security Info
All Trips
Waivers & contact information on site & at university
Emergency contact information sent to parents
Agency contact number sent to parents
Flight information shared
All lodging at secure locations, places to keep valuables
International Trips
Copies of passports kept
Emergency travel insurance purchased
Registered with US Embassies in countries
Travel agent & university watch for international concerns
Alternative Breaks participants, including trip leaders, are required to attend mandatory events,
including group meetings and other events and activities