Tantre

Alternative Spring Break Program Information and Application

2020 Alternative Spring Break Programs

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trips are an opportunity to give of yourself and your time to the service and benefit of another. This year’s trips will take place during the 2020 University Spring Break (Saturday, March 14 - Saturday, March 21). There are four different trip options this year for which you may apply. You may select one, two, three or all 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, climbing etc.

If selected, a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit (amount based on trip, see below) will be due by Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Participants who do not submit the deposit by the deadline will no longer be eligible to participate on the ASB trip.

Trip Options (Please read descriptions carefully.)

Trip A: HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS IN PHILADELPHIA, PENN.  

This Alternative Spring Break experience will provide exposure to the life and culture those who experience homelessness. The participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an extended volunteer program, providing all manner of services to the people of Philadelphia, Penn. who are experiencing hunger or homelessness. The trip leaves Sunday, March 15 and returns Saturday, March 21. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $50 (in addition to a $50 deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community.

Trip B: IMMIGRATION AND BORDER ISSUES IN TUSCON, ARIZ.

This Alternative Spring Break trip will work with Borderlinks in Tucson, Ariz. and focus on immigration, border control, the global market and the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. The group will stay in a dormitory. You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid passport in order to participate since one of the day trips may be crossing the border from Nogales, Ariz. to Nogales, Mexico. This will depend on travel restrictions at the time of trip. The trip leaves Sunday, March 15, and returns Saturday, March 21. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $100 (in addition to a $75 deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community.

trip c: civil rights and nonviolence in selma, ala. 

This Alternative Spring Break trip will revolve around the civil rights and nonviolence in Selma, Ala. This trip will involve some service, nonviolence training, community building, and visits to museums and other historical sites. The trip leaves Sunday, March 15 and returns Saturday, March 21. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $50 (in addition to a $50 deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community.

Trip d: preservation of the environment and its people in miami, fla. 

This Alternative Spring Break trip is a hands-on learning and serving experience in Miami, Fla. Participants will work on various conservation projects and other environmental organizations. The trip leaves Saturday, March 14 and returns Saturday, March 21.  You do need a government issued ID because we will be flying to Miami. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $100 (in addition to a $75 deposit) to be used at the discretion of the group for a project benefiting the local community. 

Quick Facts to Know:

  • Students will be provided with meals, housing and transportation during the trip; however, some trips require students to prepare their own meals.
  • 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, keep a journal and share personal experiences.
  • Students should be prepared for the elements of the immersion area.
  • Students will be required to participate in a presentation to share their experiences and what they learned on Apr. 2, 2020.

Requirements:

  • Have a minimum 2.00 GPA and be in good standing with the University
  • Be an enrolled NEIU student for both Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 
  • Attend all the pre-trip meetings
  • Participate in the mandatory fundraisers
  • Plan and participate in a presentation to the NEIU community on Apr. 2, 2020
  • 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. Session dates and times are listed below.
  • Submit an application by Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020.
  • Everyone will be notified by email on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 to let them know if they are invited to the group interviews.
  • Group interviews will be scheduled for Jan. 13-21, 2020.
  • Final decisions on who is selected will be announced on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 via email.
  • Once selected, sign all travel paperwork and attend all pre-trip orientation sessions. Dates to be arranged once the group is 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.

Mandatory Information Sessions:

Sessions are 30 minutes in length. If you have been through the ASB group process before you do not have to attend a session. 

All sessions will take place in the Pedroso Center Lounge

  • Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Email Rae Joyce at r-baguilat@neiu.edu if these days/times do not work for you.

Application deadline is Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020.   

Apply

For any questions or concerns, please contact Rae Joyce Baguilat at r-baguilat@neiu.edu

 

Students enjoying outdoor adventures

Students enjoying outdoor adventures