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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.