Alternative Spring Break

APPLES Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB) provide an avenue for students to perform service activities across North Carolina. It is a great way for students to be away from campus during the university break periods each semester. Students have the opportunity to travel beyond Chapel Hill and serve a different community while also forming lasting friendships with other Carolina students.

Each group is led by student organizers and works collaboratively to engage in a chosen focus area and learn more about their destination community before the trip component occurs. Once arriving at the destination, students are able to explore a new culture, make new friends and carry out meaningful community service. Throughout the alternative break experience, students will also have the opportunity to reflect upon their experiences and to explore deeper issues relating to the community. For all breaks, there is a participation fee, which may be non-refundable. Need-based financial assistance may be available upon request.

ASB also includes a mandatory 2-credit hour course that all participants and leaders must take. The course explores critical service-learning and prepares students for making the most of their spring break experience. This course will take place Mondays from 5-6 pm. Recitations will be planned by each trip based on the group’s schedule.

During the break, students apply what they are learning about the focus areas and communities at different sites through direct and indirect service as well as advocacy work. An emphasis is placed on reflection throughout the experience and following the students’ return.

Specific trip themes for spring 2024 included:

Violence Prevention: Students on this trip will explore challenges to and steps towards violence prevention in North Carolina, including access, education and more.

Rural Communities: Students work with local organizations to gain a better understanding of education, health and infrastructure issues that affect rural communities in North Carolina.