Behrend’s Alternative Breaks Program hosts both an Alternative Fall Break and an Alternative Spring Break for service-minded Behrend students. These recurring programs are offered through Civic and Community Engagement at the Smith Chapel. The program is primarily funded by the Student Activity Fee but also receives support through the Student Government Association, Janet Neff Sample Center, Hudson Lofts, in-kind donations and fundraising.
The weekend or week-long service trips offers participants a complete immersion into a community that may be very different from their own with the specific goal of making a positive, lasting impact on the communities they serve. This experience is designed to engage students on multiple levels including personal development, group and team dynamics, and public service. Through the process of reflection and civil discourse, participants are challenged to grow as individuals and rethink previous assumptions about others and society as a whole.
Student participants and trip advisers are selected from an application process. All full-time, matriculated students are eligible to apply. In addition to the application review, applicants may be evaluated on academic/GPA standing and conduct review.