What is an Alternative Spring Break?

Alternative Spring Break is where a group of 10-12 college students engage in volunteer service for a week as a counter to "traditional" spring breaks. Each break has a focus on a particular social issue, such as (but not limited to) poverty, education reform, refugee resettlement, prison reintegration, youth, animal welfare, homelessness, and the environment. Students learn about social issues and contribute to week-long projects with local non-profit community partners. Alternative breaks are also drug and alcohol-free experiences, with a heavy emphasis on group and individual reflection.

Alternative spring breaks challenge students to critically think and react to problems identified by local community partners with which they are serving. Being immersed in diverse environments enables participants to experience, discuss, and understand social issues in a significant way. Check out the breaks planned for this year!

Cost

Costs vary by break and can be found on the Break Descriptions. Costs include leadership, education, travel, housing, and most meals. The cost does not include meals on travel days, souvenirs, and community exploration day expenses. Breakers will fundraise to help reduce the cost of breaks, and need-based scholarships are also available.

In 2023, our driving breaks will cost $275. Our flying break to Redwood National Park will cost $975.

Registration

Registration for ASB 2023 is now open! In order to secure your spot, you'll need to either submit an initial payment of $150 or complete a scholarship application, which is embedded in the registration form.

Click here to learn more about how to participate! 

Want Your Organization to Host a Spring Break?

Would you like your student organization to have an experience just for them? Co-sponsored applications are due to csl@jmu.edu by October 30, 2022.  Email csl@jmu.edu to ask about the proposal and associated deadlines