Alternative Spring Break

Mission

The mission of the alternative spring break program is to promote service on local, regional, national and international levels through volunteer experiences that immerse students in different settings and cultures. Students visit communities where they perform short-term projects while learning about issues such as poverty, educational and cultural literacy, racism, hunger, the environment, homelessness and health related issues. These educational experiences are designed to heighten social awareness and promote lifelong social action and community involvement.

Program Overview

Alternative spring break trips are organized by the Office for Service Learning as well as individual faculty members. When trips are run through the Office for Service Learning, students do not receive course credit. When faculty members organize trips, they are usually associated with a specific course, or students can sometimes receive general education credits.

Past trips have been to Give Kids the World Village and Camp Boggy Creek in Florida where students worked with severely ill children. Sociology and Engineering faculty members offered trips to Mississippi and Louisiana where students helped rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. And a civil and environmental engineering professor took students to Honduras as part of their volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) to help improve the region’s water supply.

The Rowan University EWB chapter was started in 2003. Engineers Without Borders student chapters help communities around the world obtain clean water, treat waste water, produce energy, improve shelter, and develop sustainable industries. Their trips are open to all students, not just Engineers. For additional information, please visit the EWB Site.

Volunteering Abroad

Many opportunities exist for Rowan students interested in humanitarian efforts abroad. Examples of the exciting and rewarding activities available include teaching English, environmental work, and participating in educational and community aid programs. These programs allow for immersion in another culture and can enhance career goals. These programs often provide free room and board. Programs are located throughout the world, and can be either long or short term. For more information, visit the Rowan University International Center web page.

Fund raising and Program Fees

Participants who participate in domestic Alternative Spring Break trips sponsored through the Office for Service Learning and Volunteerisms are usually required to pay for a portion of the trip costs. Depending on the trip, students may also be encouraged to organize several fundraising events.

Spring Break 2008

The Spring 2008 trip sponsored out of the Office for Service Learning and Volunteerism will be to Mason Neck National Park in Virginia. If you would like more information click on the following links:

FACT SHEET

APPLICATION

September 2009 - We are bringing ASB back...Group leaders for ASB are also needed! info sessions are:

9/23 @ 9:15 pm SC Rm 128

9/24 @ 6:00pm, SC Rm 128