Become a catalyst for collaborative social change

Alternative Breaks

Travel to domestic and international locations at low cost while building your resume. Make a difference and change the world through meaningful service projects that integrate education, reflection, and leadership development.

Spring 2022 Alternative Spring Breaks

Serve communities both near and far, learn about social and environmental issues, meet other Boise State students, and build your resume. While the specific trips have not been finalized, you can see what we are planning on the “potential trips” tab. But the options don’t end there! Tell us what issues and topics matter to you and we will develop meaningful projects that take place during spring break, beginning March 19.

You will dive into these issues before the spring break service project through the LEAD 225 academic course. Further, you’ll learn what it means to be an active and engaged citizen.

Cost: Trip fees range between $25 – $200
Application Due Date: February 1, 2022
LEAD 225: 3 Fridays in March 2022
Service Project: Trips usually span 5 days during spring break (March 19-27, 2022)

APPLY TODAY

students planting native shrubs in foothills

LEAD 225

The Alternative Spring Break program includes a service-learning course that leads up to the spring break service projects. The academic course takes place during the spring semester. You have the option to register for 1-credit or audit the course. But attendance is required. The class meets on 3 Fridays in the spring semester from 1:30-4:15 p.m. – 3/4, 3/11, and 3/18. 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 project.

Learn more below in the “MORE INFORMATION” section.

Hells Canyon with the Idaho Trails Association

Travel, hike, and camp in one of Idaho’s most iconic backcountry locations – Hells Canyon. This is a ten-mile-wide canyon on the western border of Idaho, cut by the Snake River. Work alongside members of the Idaho Trails Association, whose mission is to keep Idaho’s hiking trails open for all. You will complete needed trail maintenance projects and other trail stewardship projects along the Allison, Kinney, and Eckels Creek trails. You will also learn about land preservation and protection. This trip involves tent camping at the Big Bar campground, so you’ll be sleeping under the stars along the trails you’ll be preserving!

Animal Advocacy with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

This experience offers a great introduction to animal wellness and advocacy. You will volunteer with the Best Friends Animal Sactuary, the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. his nonprofit works tirelessly to advocate for, rehabilitate, and provide a home for homeless pets and wildlife. Service projects will include maintaining the cleanliness and infrastructure of the grounds and connecting with multiple types of animals onsite. You will have the opportunity to bring pets home in the evenings for “sleepovers.” The group also has the opportunity to visit Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Healthy Homes with St. Vincent de Paul

This team will work locally with the staff and volunteers of our local St. Vincent de Paul chapter. This organization helps people in need by assisting with food, housing expenses, clothing, furniture and other basic human needs. You will have a chance to volunteer with both their thrift stores and their food pantry. You will work alongside their staff and other volunteers, directly serving those in need. Further, you’ll learn about the complex issues that contribute to homelessness and food insecurity.

Fill Out Alternative Break Interest Form

Please fill out the Alternative Break interest form below so that we can contact you regarding future opportunities to engage in the alternative break program.

Interest Form

MORE INFORMATION

Application Process

Spring Break Application Process

There is one application for all alternative spring breaks. The application usually opens each year in November and closes early in the new year. 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.

Partnership Jamaica Application Process

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.

Selection Process

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.

LEAD 225

How much does the class cost?

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

Is it required?

Attending this class is required, but registering for credit is not required. 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.

How do I register?

After accepting your spot on your trip, 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 must do so by January 24, 2022. You will likely have registered for your other classes before this point, so it’s important to keep your Friday afternoons open or flexible to make room for LEAD 225 if accepted on an Alternative Break trip.

What’s the structure of the class?

The class will be held bi-weekly on three Fridays throughout the spring semester. See the dates listed above. 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.

What are the differences between registering for 1-credit or auditing the course?

Both options require class attendance and participation, a pre and post-experience reflection, and participation in the spring break service experience. The 1-credit section has additional requirements, including required readings, written reflections, and a post-trip final project.

What if I’m a distance learner?

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.

What if I am a student teacher?

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.

Cost

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.

Fundraising

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.

Pre-Trip

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

On-Break

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

Post-Break

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