ETSU’s Alternative Breaks program is an initiative that allows students to experience unique, out-of-the-classroom learning through various community service projects.
“During my Alt Break, I learned so much about how public policy affects every aspect in our daily life,” says Peyton Gentry, an Alternative Breaks participant. “I learned the ways to make effective changes in our government. I also learned that I have a voice and that along with my opinions matter.”
Alternative Breaks chooses varying locations and areas of focus each year. Students who are selected as trip leaders are given the space to find and organize the experiential learning opportunities according to their area of focus. Students who apply for Alternative breaks are then assigned to one of the locations.
“I want other students at ETSU to know that Alt Breaks are completely worth it,” says Gentry, “All in all, I feel so much more fulfilled after spending my week meeting with people fighting for changes and making some positive change myself.”
Spring 2024 offered Alternative Break experiences in Nashville, New Orleans and the Appalachian Highlands. The focus areas for this year centered around voting rights, education and youth development, health equity and public policy and responsible stewardship of our public parks and land.
“I participated in the health equity, public policy and voting rights in Nashville,” says Gentry. “During my Alt Break, we visited the Tennessee State Captiol building and Tennessee History Museum. I had the opportunity to sit in on the Tennessee Senate Local and State Subcommittee and listen to their discussion of a couple bills. We also had the opportunity to meet with Tennessee Immigrate and Refugee Rights Coalition, Free Hearts, an organization formerly run by incarcerated women fighting to retain the rights of formerly incarcerated people, the Tennessee Justice Center and the American Cancer Society.”
For updates on Alternative Breaks, visit www.etsu.edu/students/sao/organizations/civicengagement/breaks/.
