Alternative Breaks Program

at Penn State Behrend

Alternative Spring Break 2023-24

We’re so excited you’re interested in learning more about the Alternative Spring Break 2023-2024!

Penn State Behrend’s Alternative Breaks Program allows participants to experience a fully immersive week-long service trip with fellow Behrend students and advisors.

Leadership Team:

The 2023-24 ASB Board will consist of Program Advisor, Chris Fox, Assistant Director of Civic Engagement and The Smith Chapel and four selected Trip Leaders.

Haley Allen (Biology/Pre-Health) – Site Management

N Khamis (Chemistry/Pre-Pharm) – Finance and Operations

Brooke Korb (Biology) – Programming

Kseniya Tischenko (Nursing) – PR/Communications

Theme/Location:

Behrend’s Alternative Spring Break 2023-24 will be heading to Puerto Rico. Through on-site service partners, Community Collaborations International, projects will include housing rehabilitation, ones that are environmentally based, and youth development. With the challenges Puerto Rico has faced in recent years, the focus will be on community resiliency. Students and staff advisors are excited to embark on learning and engaging with the people in the communities we serve and need your assistance to help cover costs associated with travel and accommodations, including airfare, ground transportation rental, and group meals.

P.S. Student participants and trip advisers are selected from an application process. All full-time, matriculated students are eligible to apply.

Dates:

PSU Spring Break is Sunday, March 3 – Saturday, March 9, 2024

Selection Process:

The selection process for Behrend Alternative Break Programs includes an application and interview. The application is open to all students, no past service experience is required. Early Registration Period is set for September 1-September 15. A second registration will be set for October 6 following the announcement of ASB service focus area and location. The early registration period will allow for students to apply early to get a first look at selection before the location is announced. Note: Those who apply for early registration and are not selected in that round are encouraged to apply again in the second round on October 6.

Submitting your application is the first stage of the application process. Once the application closes, all applications received will be reviewed and a group interview will follow should you be selected to advance. The application process is designed to help us put together a team of people who will be committed to the experience and who will benefit greatly from this unique involvement opportunity.

We hope you consider applying – see application below.

Behrend Alternative Break Program - Student Application

Behrend Alternative Break Program - Student Application

Behrend's Alternative Break Program is sponsored by Student Activity Fee and open to all students to apply, REGARDLESS OF PAST SERVICE EXPERIENCE.

NOTE: Some community organizations on site may require participants to sign liability and COVID-19 related waivers.

Candidates may be asked to interview following the application process.

Cost: There is a $100 deposit due after participants are selected and a participation fee of $250 due before the trip. (Scholarships are available to students per request - must be able to demonstrate hardship.)

Early Registration runs from September 1 through September 15. Applications will open up again on October 6.

First name as it appears on your id/drivers license, etc.
Last name as it appears on your id/drivers license, etc.
(no commas, dashes or spaces)
If you go by a name that is different or abbreviated from your first name
Enrollment status for 2022-2023 *
Student Status Permanent Residency
Permanent residency status does not have any impact on selection. All Behrend students are eligible to apply for ASB trip.
Language Status
Language status allows selection committee to consider language barriers for application and interview to avoid discrimination. Fluency in English is not required and diversity of language is encouraged and valued.
Housing Status (on campus or off campus)
For ASB participants living on campus, we are required to request early arrival status so you can get access to your room during the spring break recess.
Please inform us as to personal restrictions based on dietary, health, faith-based restrictions so we can accomodate for meetings, events, or projects,. These restrictions will also help inform our host site while on our trip. If you do not have any personal restrictions we need to be informed of, please respond n/a.
Format: Fall/Spring/Summer and Year (Ex: Spring 2021)
Alternative Break Program Experience *
Please indicate if you have previously participated in Behrend's Alternative Break Program.
How did you hear about the Alternative Spring Break trip for 2022-23? *
Please check only those that apply.
Alternative Break Project 2021-22 Commitment Terms and Conditions *
Please check that you have read each point and it is understood.

Penn State University Diversity Statement

We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the

educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community

thrive. *

Please check that you have read each point and it is understood.

COVID-19 Risk Acknowledgement

- Reviewed and fully understand the risks associated with COVID-19 and other communicable diseases when traveling.

- Will research the restrictions imposed in the area(s) to which I/we are traveling and ensure that I/we can comply with the restrictions.

- Will follow all COVID recommendations and requirements of the destination, in addition to the CDC order requiring face masks on public transportation and transportation hubs.

- Upon returning home, the CDC recommends that unvaccinated travelers get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel.

- Students who participate in University-related travel acknowledge and understand that participation is wholly voluntary.

- In addition to other hazards connected with travel, students understand that there is risk they may become exposed to and/or infected by COVID-19 or any of its variants, and that this risk cannot be entirely eliminated even with adherence to all preventative measures including vaccination.

- Students who participate in University-related travel assume any and all risk of such exposure or infection, and acknowledge that it may result in personal injury, illness, severe complications, permanent disability, and/or death.

STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT ANY REQUEST FOR TRAVEL IS COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY AND SHALL OPERATE AS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK RELATED TO COVID-19 AND ITS VARIANTS. *

Please check that you have read each point and it is understood.

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Contact Us:

Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel
814-898-6609
psbservice@psu.edu
M-F: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

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