Alternative Spring Break

Service learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection. Service-learning places an emphasis on working closely with community partners to address community concerns. Students who engage in service learning learn about the connection between their service, their academic coursework, and their roles as citizens.

What is Alternative Break?

An alternative break is an immersion service-learning trip where small groups of college students engage in community-based service and cultural immersion for a few days to make a difference in local and/or statewide communities. At SUNY WCC we offer both weekend and 5 to 7-day-long alternative break trips. Each trip focuses on a particular social issue, such as (but not limited to) poverty, education reform, food insecurity, criminal justice reform, or the environment. The trip emphasizes other aspects of life such as community, mindfulness, and wellness.

Learn about ASB and how to apply

How Our Alternative Spring Break Operates:

Our Alternative Spring Break program is divided into three major components that is required for all selected students to participate in:

• Pre-Service Workshops: Groups will learn history and facts about the chosen topic and discuss the trip logistics and service projects the group will focus on.
• During Service: Groups will perform their service-learning activities. At the end of each day, groups will reflect on their experiences while utilizing at least one of the eight learning components of alternative breaks: abstaining from alcohol and other drugs, direct service, diversity/social justice, education, orientation, reflection, and re-orientation, and training.
• Post-Service Ceremony: Groups will do an overall assessment of the experiences they had during the Alternative Spring Break.

Who Leads The Groups?

Each trip is led by one to two student leaders who are selected through an application process. The student leaders are partnered with faculty/staff mentors to facilitate the overall trip theme, logistics, and individual and group reflection process.

How To Participate:

To serve as a general group member for a weekend or 5 to 7 day trip, each student must complete an application detailing the reasons why they are interested in the selected alternative break topic and answer a series of questions centered around any previous community service experience.

How To Apply:

Apply Here

• Complete this application by Sunday, November 3, 2025 by 11:59pm
• You must be in good academic standing (2.0 or above) and good judicial standing and have paid the student activity fee (at least 1 registered class on the Valhalla main campus.) Requirements, if selected:
• If selected, you will be required to attend weekly meetings in the fall semester.  These are vital to the success of the ASB trip – you will meet other participants, become informed of the trip location, and you will become better educated on the trip’s social issues.
•  If selected, you will be required to pay a $50.00 non-refundable deposit to secure your seat. This is to ensure that everyone is committed to the trip and the forthcoming requirements upon selection.