Alternative Breaks

There is one application for all alternative spring breaks. The application usually opens each year in early October and closes before spring class registration opens. Notifications will be sent via the email address provided in the application. Miss the application deadline? Please fill out the Alternative Break Interest Form so that we can contact you regarding future opportunities to engage in the alternative break program.

The application for Partnership Jamaica usually opens at the beginning of the fall semester and is usually due around October 1. Please fill out the Alternative Break Interest Form so that we can contact you regarding future opportunities to engage in the alternative break program.

Students are selected based on their answers to the questions on the application. A team of individuals review the applications and then assembles groups of trip participants. There are no prerequisites to participating in an alternative break other than being a current Boise State student.  Due to the in-person class requirement distance students are at this time not eligible to participate. Our goal is to assemble groups comprised of individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives for each of the trips. Any remaining applicants are placed on a waiting list and contacted in the event that a participant declines their spot or is no longer able to attend.

There is a required credit-bearing service-learning course connected to the Alternative Break experiences during spring break.  The academic course takes place during the entire spring semester.  You have the option to register for a 1-credit or a 3-credit section of this course. The class meets on five Fridays in the spring semester from 1:30-4:15 p.m. – 1/31, 2/14, 2/28, 3/13, and 4/17. This fun and interactive class will provide you with opportunities to explore the theory of integrating service, education, and reflection to create meaningful change in communities both near and far.  Through this class, you will get to know your fellow trip participants and staff trip leader.  The culmination of this learning will take place on your intensive week-long alternative break trip.

If you are a part-time student (taking less than 12 credits) or taking more than 17 credits additional class fees may apply.

This class is required for all alternative spring break participants. It is not required for Partnership Jamaica participants. If you think you may be unable to take the class due to a scheduling conflict or other matter please reach out to us to discuss options.

After accepting your spot on your Alternative Break (mid December), you will be emailed a permission number to enroll in the course the same way you would register for your other classes for the semester.  You will likely have registered for your other classes before mid December, so it’s important to keep your Friday afternoons open or flexible to make room for LEAD 225 if accepted on an Alterative Break trip.

The class will be held bi-weekly on five Fridays throughout the spring semester (four pre-trip and one post-trip, 1/31, 2/14, 2/18, 3/13, and 4/17). The first half of each class will cover general instruction on the theory of integrating service, education, and reflection.  The second half of class will be used as individual trip meeting time where students will prepare for their specific trip topics and experiences. Connections to local service opportunities and community partners will also be included.

Both sections of the course require class attendance and participation, a pre and post-experience reflection, participation in the spring break service experience, participation in a local service project, and a post-experience group presentation.  The 3-credit section has additional requirements, including required readings, 4 written reflections, and a post-experience written report.

The 3-credit version of this course counts towards the special topics requirements of the Leadership and Human Relations Certificate offered through the College of Innovation and Design.

The Leadership and Human Relations Certificate offered through the College of Innovation and Design is a 16 credit upper division program open to all majors. The certificate is designed to help you learn to work effectively with others, solve problems and make a difference in your field or community.

Unfortunately, at this time distance learning students are not eligible to participate. The nature of the class requires hands-on local service work and in-person meetings.

Student teacher’s schedules have traditionally conflicted with the LEAD 225 class meetings.  However, you may be able to work out an alternative schedule with your teacher/school.  This is a conversation we encourage students to have early as the LEAD 225 class is mandatory to participate in the Alternative Break program.

The cost for each trip is noted above in the trip descriptions and includes housing, food, travel, and supplies for the different service projects.  We encourage participants to bring a small amount of cash with them for food during travel days, possible souvenirs, and in case of an emergency.  Payments can be made by depositing cash/check or by paying via credit/debit card to the Student Involvement and Leadership Center.

We encourage students to fundraise individually and as a group to help cover the cost of their trip.  Some ideas include asking friends and family to donate to your trip fund; working a few extra hours a week; and asking for holiday gifts to be donations for your trip. It is important to note that since donations are going towards an individual and not to the University the donations are not tax-deductible. If you have questions about fundraising please contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at getinvolved@boisestate.edu or 208-426-1223.

Participants will attend class and individual trip meetings to learn about trip related topics and prepare for on-site experiences.

Participants are provided the opportunity to serve with local community partners while reflecting on the root causes of social issues related to their trip.

Participants are provided the opportunity to make sense of their experience and engage in local service opportunities in their journey toward active citizenship.