Alternative Breaks

The Rutgers University Alternative Spring Break and Winter Break programs will provide a group of Rutgers University undergraduate students with a semester-long experience centered on community service. Participants learn about a particular community issue within the United States during a 6-week, non-credit course and volunteer break excursion. On site, students provide necessary services and explore the culture and the history of the area. Students who participate in this program cultivate social responsibility, leadership, and life-long learning; thereby fostering a generation of leaders committed to positive social change.

What students are saying about Alternative Breaks:

"Honestly, being a part of ASB has made me realize I want and need to become more involved at Rutgers. I know that if I never applied to this program I would have never met 16 amazing people of whom I can’t imagine ever living without!"

"ASB helped me to realize that although I have witnessed poverty, I feel content, calmer and more fulfilled after a week of service and I want to do more."

"Seeing the culture and lifestyle of West Virginia really made me appreciate what I have and made me want to reach out and help other people. Also I made amazing friends."

"Being a part of ASB helped me realize there are many parts of the country whose way of life and circumstances influence their poverty in different ways."

"AWB has really challenged my thinking about my life and career. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and has made me want to do something like this, some kind of service activity, either as a career (i.e. Teach for America) or non-career activity (i.e. Habitat for Humanity)."

"I really enjoyed seeing a different part of our country that I had never really been exposed to. I really got a lot more insight and thought into the entire situation New Orleans post- Katrina. It opened my perspective a lot and made me confront and recognize the state of our country right now and what really needs to be done to help our nation’s citizens who are too often unassisted. This trip has helped me realize more my direction in life. I want to help people in need whether it is domestically or internationally, old or young."

Expectations of Alternative Break Participants:

Attendance at weekly classes is mandatory to build team support and to discuss issues that will/may come up while away.
Commitment to participation in the weekly classes and on the trip (work days will be approximately 7 hours each day with lunch breaks provided).
Attendance at evening activities sponsored by the host-site.
To remain alcohol/drug free on trips, even during free time.
Help with meal preparations. Even if you don’t think you can cook, you can still put together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Being open-minded and sensitive to the experienced regional differences.

Application deadlines for Alternative Breaks have passed. We encourage you to please check back for information regarding the Community Service Days that will be happening this spring! For more information on Community Service Initiatives, please contact Karen Ardizzone at or Amy Johnson at .