Alternative Break Program Mission Statement

The Office of Civic Action and Engagement’s (CAE) Alternative Break Program (ABP) seeks to foster student leadership development and a life-long commitment to service and civic engagement by supporting student-driven service trip experiences. 

ABP Vision & Values Statement

The ABP is a student-led, and administrator-managed, program that provides programmatic and financial support for students’ independent development and leadership of domestic or international service experiences over fall, spring or summer breaks. The ABP uses the CAE’s Civic Competencies as its goals and the 5 Pathways to Service as its tools to strengthen the various communities of which the program participates are a part.

ABP-supported trips challenge participants to reflect critically upon their role in addressing challenges in their various campus, local, national, and global communities and what types of service will best address those challenges.  

The ABP does not organize or lead service break trips. Eligible student(s) submit proposals for service trip ideas that address the community in which the student(s) wish to serve, the challenge they wish to address and the type of service they feel will best address those challenges in those communities. These proposals are reviewed and evaluated by the ABP Student Advisory Board and CAE Staff. Proposals that are accepted receive ABP-support, which includes training, advisement, and for most, funding.

The success of any alternative break service trip depends on the leadership of the trip’s student leaders and the dedication and hard work of the team.

Students interested in getting more information about the program should continue to read this website or if you have immediate questions feel free to email the ABP directly.