2024 Alternative Spring Break Program Information
Application Deadline
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trips are an opportunity to give your time and energy to the service and benefit of others. This year’s trips will take place during the 2024 University Spring Break (Sunday March 9-Saturday, March 16). There are four different trip options this year for which you may apply. You may select one, two, three, or four trips for which to be considered.
These trips are not solely service trips but an immersion experience. You will be exposed to real-life conditions of people who live in different communities and their lived realities. All trips may have some component of physical activity such as cleaning, painting, sorting, working etc. Please be advised that the Puerto Rico trip is intense physical/manual labor.
If selected, a non-refundable deposit ($100) will be due by Friday, December 8, 2023. Participants who do not submit the deposit by the deadline will lose their position and no longer be eligible to participate in the ASB trip.
Trip Options (Please read descriptions carefully)
Trip A: NATIVE AMERICAN culture, life, and identity
This Alternative Spring Break experience will provide exposure to the life and culture of Native Americans predominantly in the Cherokee and Choctaw Tribes. The participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a volunteer program, providing all manner of services to the people of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, who are navigating daily life. You will learn about treaties and how they impact the lives of Native Americans. You may experience a tribal circle, learn to play stickball, and listen, learn, and grow as an individual. The trip leaves Sunday, March 10 and returns Saturday, March 16. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $100 (in addition to the deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community.
Trip B: IMMIGRATION AND BORDER ISSUES
This Alternative Spring Break trip will work with the Women's Intercultural Center in Anthony, New Mexico and focus on immigration, border control, the global market, and the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. The group will stay at housing provided by the Women's Intercultural Center. You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid passport or a Green Card holder in order to participate since one of the day trips may be crossing the border from the U.S. to Mexico. This will depend on travel restrictions and border agencies at the time of trip. The trip leaves Sunday, March 10 and returns Saturday, March 16. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $200 (in addition to the deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community.
Trip C: CIVIL RIGHTS & NONVIOLENCE
This Alternative Spring Break trip will revolve around Civil Rights and Nonviolence in Selma, Alabama. This trip will involve service, nonviolence training, community building, and visits to museums and other historical sites. The trip leaves Monday, March 11 and returns Saturday, March 16. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $100 (in addition to the deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community.
Trip D: CLIMATE CHANGE & THE ENVIRONMENT
This Alternative Spring Break trip is a hands-on learning and serving experience in Puerto Rico. Participants will work on various conservation projects and other environmental organizations. The trip leaves Saturday, March 9 and returns Saturday, March 16. You need a government-issued ID and be comfortable with taking a flight. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $200 (in addition to the deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community.
Quick Facts to Know
Students will be responsible for meals on the way to the destination and on the way from the destination. Once students arrive at the destination, the meals, housing and transportation are provided. Meals will be humble and either provided by the host organization or be made by the students at the dormitory.
No alcohol or drugs will be permitted.
Students will be expected to fully participate in all activities. There may be some light to moderate physical work. You will also be asked to reflect on each day’s activities and share personal experiences.
Students should be prepared for the elements of the immersion location they are selected to attend.
Students will be required to participate in a presentation to share their experiences and what they learned, held in April 2024, one month after returning from the experience.
Requirements:
- Have a minimum 2.00 GPA and be in good standing with the University
- Be an enrolled NEIU student for Spring 2024 with at least 6 credits
- Attend all the pre-trip meetings
- Participate in the mandatory fundraisers
- Plan and participate in a presentation to NEIU community in April 2024
- Participate in pre- and post-trip evaluations
Application Process:
Attend a mandatory information session, unless you have been interviewed for an ASB trip in previous years. Submit an application by Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.
Group interviews will be scheduled for Nov.8-17, 2023. You will be emailed a link to sign up for an interview slot.
Final decisions on who is selected will be announced on Nov. 23, 2023, via email.
Once selected, you must sign all travel paperwork and attend all pre-trip meetings.
Dates to be arranged once group selected. Fundraise the set amount for the given trip cost.
There will be an alternate list of participants in case a spot opens up for one of the trips. Applications will be available online via Collegiatelink starting Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah Paulis at s-paulis@neiu.edu.
