Alternative Break Program (CS-L)

Contact Information

Community Service-Learning

Contact Details

abp@jmu.edu

Description

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a trip in which a group of students (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. The program has been expanded from only Alternative Spring Breaks to several other types, including Alternative May Break, Alternative January Break, and Alternative Thanksgiving Break.

Web Presence

http://www.jmu.edu/abp/

Involvement

Involves Faculty, Involves Staff, Involves Students, Involves Participants External to JMU

Scope

National Scope, International Scope

Date

Ongoing, Year-round.

Frequency

Ongoing (Currently in existence, year round)

Areas of Engagement

Civic Engagement, Community Engagement, Engaged Learning

Format

Service Learning