To engage University of Wyoming students in service-learning across a diverse range
of subjects and locations. The goals of UW Alternative Breaks are:
Enact positive change through service
Empower student leaders
Expand teamwork-oriented skills amongst students
Educate on social issues
Encourage active citizenship
Ready to learn and serve this Spring Break?
Look below for information about this year's trips and FAQs about the program. Have
questions? Email slce@uwyo.edu.
2023 Alternative Spring Break Trips:
Community Development Petersfield, Jamaica
In the sugar producing parish of Westmoreland, students will have the opportunity
to work with the Petersfield Galloway Benevolent Society with a focus on cultural
immersion, social action, and community-based learning. Participants are uniquely
embedded into Jamaican culture through homestays and a wide variety of community engagement
activities.
Immigration and Border Issues Las Cruces, New Mexico
Visit Las Cruces, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas to participate in a border immersion
program that is intentionally designed to provide a comprehensive spectrum of views
about immigration and the borderlands by speaking with first-generation immigrants,
visiting local organizations working with immigrant populations, meeting with government
officials to hear about border protection and law enforcement, learning about immigration
law, and building an understanding of economic policies and realities affecting people
on the border.
Conservation, Stewardship, and Rock Climbing Lander, Wyoming
Join us for our second Alternative Break partnership with the UW Outdoor Program!
Participants will spend time learning and serving with Sinks Canyon State Park and
the Wind River Indian Reservation. In addition to serving in the area, students will
get to experience some of Lander's world-class rock climbing! Instruction and gear
is all provided and no previous climbing experience is necessary.
Affordable Housing Santa Fe, New Mexico
Spend your break learning about the history and culture of Santa Fe while volunteering
with Habitat for Humanity. Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity promotes affordable homeownership
for Santa Fe area residents by constructing simple, adequate, and energy efficient
new homes and repairing or rehabilitating existing homes through the cooperative efforts
of partner families, volunteers, donors, and staff.
Youth Environmental Education Boulder Creek, California
Work with a leading nonprofit camp in the heart of the beautiful California Redwoods
to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Volunteers take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change in children
and families. Participants will work with the camp's Outdoor Science School, where
young students experience the thrill of nature through hands-on lessons and activities.
FAQs
You must be a full time UW student in good academic and disciplinary standing to participate
in the Alternative Breaks program.
The trips are being offered for free this year! This includes transportation, lodging,
admission and program fees, and most meals. The only out-of-pocket expenses you would
have are some meals on travel days, incidentals like snacks or coffee, and any souvenirs
or other items you choose to purchase.
In most cases, if you decide to withdraw from the program after February 1, a charge
will be assessed to your student account. More information about this is provided
on the application.
There are no requirements specific to the program. However, some of the partner organizations
that we work with have their own requirements that all participants must meet. More
information about this is provided on the application.
The application includes the standard UW liability release and model/photo release
forms. Once you are accepted you will need to fill out additional paperwork including
a participant agreement, medical information, and an emergency contact form. This
must be completed in order to secure your spot on the trip.
All participants are expected to attend all pre-departure meetings and a post-trip
reflection session. Participants are also expected to stay in regular communication
with their team leader(s); this means responding to phone calls and/or emails within
48 hours. If a participant is not meeting these requirements, they will receive a
warning from SLCE staff. If this continues to be an issue, they will be removed from
the trip and any payments already made will not be refunded. While on the trip, all
participants are expected to represent UW, SLCE, and the Alternative Breaks program
in a positive manner. This includes abiding by the UW student code of conduct, The
Alternative Breaks drug and alcohol policy, rules and policies of the host organization,
and the direction of team leaders. Students who choose not to behave in accordance
with this expectation will be sent home at their own expense.
No. See the Drug and Alcohol policy at the bottom of the webpage.
No. Participants are expected to participate fully in all activities and to spend
their time with the group during the trip. While there may be some free time, it is
generally limited.
No. All participants will travel with the group.
We do our best to accommodate all students. However, due to the nature of these trips,
what we are able to promise varies from student to student and trip to trip. If you
have particular concerns you are encouraged to contact SLCE staff before submitting
your application.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Alternative Break trips are drug and alcohol free. This applies to all participants,
even those over the age of 21. Issues of community impact, legality, liability, personal
safety, and group cohesion are of concern when alcohol and other drugs are consumed
on an Alternative Break. At no time, nor under any circumstance are participants,
Team Leaders, or staff members permitted to consume alcohol or any illegal drugs while
participating in an AB program. Participants in violation of this policy will be sent
home immediately at their own expense.
Contact Us
Service, Leadership, and Community Engagement (SLCE) Office
