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Alternative Spring Breaks was founded in March of 1987 when seven
students traveled to Boone, North Carolina to work with a variety
of human services organizations during Spring Break. The program
has been expanding ever since in order to accommodate increasing
student interest.
Each year, hundreds of volunteers spend Spring Break doing work
through the Community Service Center’s Alternative Spring Breaks
program. The goal of ASB is to provide the student body with a unique
and memorable service opportunity as a substitute to the conventional
spring break.
ASB trips promote community service, develop leadership skills,
and create strong bonds among participants. The trips allow volunteers
to visit other parts of the country and learn about various social
issues first-hand. ASB helps students improve the world around them
while they develop leadership skills and inspire others to do the
same.
Recent Announcements
2010 Locations
We are happy to announce our 2010 ASB sites! These sites are some of the best ever! Sites, organizations and trip descriptions are available here!
2009-10 Chaperone Positions
Are you a faculty/staff member or graduate student? Then you too can particpate in our wonderful Alternative Spring Break program by chaperoning a trip! Download the applicable application form, and join us!
New chaperones
Returning chaperones
ASB is Blog-tastic!
Please visit our blog at buasb.wordpress.com!
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How many students go on each trip? |
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Nine students go on each trip, except for camping and public transportation trips which have twelve. Two student coordinators and a faculty or staff chaperone also accompany each trip.
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What type of service does a volunteer do? |
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Upon signing up for ASB, volunteers can choose
from a variety of trips, each with a different focus. Some of
the trips address environmental issues whereas others work with
children, people with disabilities, the homeless, or those affected
by natural disasters. |
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How do volunteers get to their destinations? |
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There is a variety of modes of transportation. One of the most common methods is driving. The Community Service Center rents 12-passenger vans to transport volunteers to their destinations. Students are trained and certified to drive these vans. Driving is optional, however any student who wishes to drive must complete the training and certification process prior to departing. Typical travel time is approximately 20-30 hours, which makes for great group bonding time! In addition to driving, 3 trips to San Juan, Puerto Rico, San Fransisco, CA and Austin, TX will be flying and trips to New York City and Washington, DC will be taking public transportation. |
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Where do volunteers stay? |
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Volunteers stay in a variety of accommodations,
ranging from campgrounds to churches to community centers. |
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How much does Alternative Spring Breaks cost? |
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Estimated Alternative Spring Break fees are around $290. This covers food, housing, and transportation for the week. The cost of of flying trips will be 290 + airfare (Texas, Puerto Rico and California.)
We are able to offer a limited number of scholarships based on financial need as determined by the University. Please see the Registration Packet (when it is released) for more details. |
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How do I sign up? |
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Sign-ups for volunteers are held early in the second semester and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will occur online, similiar to that of class registration, details will be released later. Committee and Trip Coordinator Applications will be available in the begining of September. Contact the Community Service Center if you have any further questions. |
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For more information on volunteering with ASB, please contact:
Ariana Sherman and
Zhandra Ferreira-Cesar
, ASB Program Managers
775 Commonwealth Avenue
Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-4710
Fax: 671-353-9424
Email: altbreak@bu.edu
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