What is Alternative Break?
Alternative Break, a program of Reeve Union Student Involvement, sends teams of 9-12 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.
2023 Trip Locations
El Progreso, Honduras
March 18-24, 2023 | $2000
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.
Memphis, TN
March 18 – 24, 2022 | $630
Travel by van with other UW Oshkosh students to Memphis, where you will be immersed in the history of Memphis and do volunteer work designed to eradicate misconceptions and make an impact on the city. Participants will be staying in a bunk house, participating in service projects, visiting the National Civil Rights Museum and other Memphis landmarks.
Selection
Timeline
Oct. 7
Applications are available
Oct. 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Trip participant priority deadline
Nov. 18
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.
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
Costs
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
Apply To Go!
Questions about future Alternative Break experiences? Email Nicole at belln@uwosh.edu.