JMU CS-L program cited by Mother Jones magazine

Mother Jones Magazine named JMU one of the Top Ten Activist Schools, citing the Alternative Break Program as a major factor. An Alternative Break trip is a trip where a group of college students (usually 10-12 per trip) engage in volunteer service for a week as a counter to "traditional" spring break trips. Each trip has a focus on a particular social issue, such as (but not limited to) poverty, education reform, refugee resettlement, and the environment. Students learn about the social issues and then perform week-long projects with local non-profit organizations. Alternative breaks are also drug and alcohol-free experiences, with a heavy emphasis on group and individual reflection.