Alternative Breaks

The Rutgers University Alternative 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.

Alternative Spring Break Trips 2010

  • West Virginia: Work on various tasks within the community such as building projects, rehabilitation of homes and working on the issue of rural poverty.
  • Washington, DC: Work in various homeless shelters and soup kitchens while working on the issue of hunger & homelessness.

Alternative Winter Break Trips 2010

 

  • Florida: Students will be working with Give Kids the World Village. Give Kids the World Villages exists to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families with a memorable, joyful experience that is cost-free. Students will be volunteering their time with the kids, serving meals, character meet and greet and other various tasks (cleaning, painting, landscaping, ect.) at the Give Kids the Village.
  • New Orleans: Students will be working in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity on wetland restoration and building projects. 
  • Mississippi: Students will be working with Teach for America in addition to working on other various community service projects in the community. We currently have one trip planed for the Spring Break and there is a possibility that we may be adding another one!

Alternative Break Applications

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW!!!! Alternative Break Applications Students interested in going on an Alternative Break program must apply. Applications are due October 9th for Alternative Winter Break trips and November 6th for Alternative Spring Break.

Click here to download the application

For more information on Alternative Breaks, please email
, Associate Director, Involvement/Community Service.