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Alternative Break Service Trip

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Center for Social Concerns (CSC) equips students and colleagues to engage with ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆÆ½â°æ’s communities, both local and global, through purposeful service, exploration, and action for the common good. ABSTs are student led, small group, service and learning immersions rooted in four pillars of service, simplicity, community, and reflection. The CSC advises ABST student leaders who facilitate and cultivate community among their student participants and ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆÆ½â°æ employee accompaniers through intentional group formation, learning, and relationship building during bi-weekly group meetings and 1 on 1s prior to their trip. The experience culminates in week-long trips during spring break and in the summer when groups will serve, learn, and immerse in community with their ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆÆ½â°æ group and hosts. The CSC works closely with ABST community partners throughout the year to develop mutually beneficial outcomes and to incorporate opportunities for impactful service and cultural learning into each program. During the trip, the ABST group reflects on their experience and how it has impacted them and develops a plan for post-trip action.

About the Program

  • Non-credit bearing (you apply through EngageU) and open to undergraduate students in any major or class year
  • Groups are composed of 4-10 student participants, 2 student leaders, and 2 ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆÆ½â°æ employee (faculty, staff, or administrator) accompaniers. The groups begin biweekly meetings and 1 on 1s with group members in October
  • Trips occur over Spring Break (Feb 24-Mar 2) and in May and are 1 week in length
  • Low cost –programs range in cost from $300 - $1,400.  Program costs are all inclusive of accommodations, transportation, meals, activities, and other expenses – students are responsible for paying for any souvenirs they choose to purchase, and meals on their travel days to/from their destination (i.e. in the airport)
  • ABST Scholarships – the scholarship application opens in the fall semester, and we award thousands of dollars each year to support students participating in the ABST program
  • Fundraising opportunities are available throughout the year to help reduce individual and group costs


Why participate in an ABST?

  • Career development: Expand your personal and professional skills in self-awareness, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, adaptability, and teamwork.
  • Global Learning: Learn about your destination, community partner(s), and social justice issues of your ABST. Engage in dialogue and reflection around local and global issues including poverty, access to education and healthcare, homelessness, food insecurity, immigration, and more.
  • Service: Serve our community partners in multiple ways – including hands-on service and service of learning and presence.
  • Community: Build relationships with your ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆÆ½â°æ family and with our hosts and community partners.

We look for participants who are open, curious, willing to step outside their comfort zone, and who are excited to experience and engage in an ABST!