Alternative Spring Breaks allow students to explore new environments while engaging with diverse communities. Led by the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement, the trips highlight relevant topics and immerse students into service.  

This year, four trips are planned that span three significant areas/cities of the United States. Students will be studying stewardship of national parks in the Appalachian Highlands. A trip to New Orleans, Louisiana will focus on education and youth development. Two trips are planned for Nashville, one will focus on voting rights and the other on health equity along with public policy.  

Director of Leadership and Civic Engagement, Joy Fulkerson describes the trips as challenges for students to think critically and understand social issues through serving communities. “We really work to help students be able to see up close and personal, to really dig deep into how social issues play out in communities,” said Fulkerson.  

The trips are service-oriented with community partners involved from the related area. They work to meet the needs of the city and uplift them. Fulkerson shared that on a past trip, students helped organize and run a fun day for kids in a low-income area of Nashville. The parents attending the event were given health information while their children were focused on things like games and face painting. “We really want to go in with this mindset of we are in partnership with the community,” said Fulkerson.

The work students do on the trip not only positively impacts the areas, but also themselves. They gain an awareness of social issues and often a better appreciation for their own lives. Fulkerson shared that many students come back from their trips inspired to make a difference and improve their own communities. “There’s been student organizations started because students wanted to engage in service and get others engaged,” said Fulkerson.  

Students have described their alternative break experiences as life changing, transformational and impactful. “They’re so powerful that students want to do them again,” said Fulkerson.  

Applications are currently open for Alternative Spring Break experiences on the Leadership and Civic Engagement website. About eight to 10 students are accepted per trip and people from all majors are encouraged to apply. Financial support for the trips is available to students.

(Contributed/ETSU)