Alternative Breaks

The Alternative Break program includes a service-learning course that leads up to the service projects. 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.

Course information

The class includes four sessions (three before your trip and one after you return). The first part 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.

LEAD 225 is offered in the spring semester.

Through this class, you will get to know your fellow trip participants and staff trip leader.

You have the option to register for 1-credit, 3-credits, or request to audit the course.

• Students participating in the LEAD Certificate Program through the School of Public Service may use the 3-credit course to fulfill one of their elective requirements.
• Honors College students may also use the 3-credit LEAD 225 course as an H-Option.

Registration

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 the first day of class. You will likely have registered for your other classes before this point, so it’s important to keep your schedule in mind to make room for LEAD 225 if accepted on an Alternative Break trip.

Assignments and expectations

All participants are required to register, attend, and participate in LEAD 225. Minimum participation includes completing a pre and post-assessment, class readings and reflections, and participating in the service project. The 3-credit section has additional requirements, including more in-depth readings and reflection prompts, 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 in-person meetings and hands-on local service work.

What if I’m a student teacher?

Student teachers’ 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 in the trip descriptions and includes housing, food, travel, and supplies for the different service projects.

Check out the scholarships and fundraising tab for information on ways to reduce the cost of your participation.

Trip payments

Trip payments can be made by depositing cash/check or by paying online via credit/debit card to the Student Involvement and Leadership Center. Specific instructions are sent to students after they are accepted into the program.

Other expenses

Passports are required for international trips and are not included in the trip cost. Boise State’s Global Learning Office is a US Passport Acceptance Facility. Visit their website to view more information about fees and processing timelines.

We encourage participants to bring a small amount of cash with them for personal food during travel days, possible souvenirs, and in case of an emergency.

Scholarships

Alternative Break Scholarships are intended to provide financial support to students who would otherwise not be able to participate in this program.

The scholarship application should be submitted at the same time as applying for an Alternative Break.

• Applicants will be notified if scholarship funds have been awarded and the amount, prior to being asked to confirm their trip placement.

Scholarship recipients may receive up to 75% of the total cost of the remaining trip fee (excluding any non-refundable deposit amount).

Decisions are based on financial need and the amount of available scholarship funds each year.

To assist with verifying financial need, scholarship applicants must have completed their

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for need-based scholarships and priority aid for the current academic year.

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 a trip fund, working a few extra hours a week, and asking for birthday/holiday gifts to be donations for your trip.

It is important to note that since donations are going toward an individual and not to the University, the donations are not tax-deductible.

Application process

There is one application for all alternative breaks. 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.

Selection process

Students are selected based on their answers to the questions on the application. A team of individuals reviews 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 not eligible to participate. Our goal is to assemble groups comprised of individuals with a variety of experiences and perspectives for each of the trips. Any remaining applicants are placed on a waiting list and contacted if a participant declines their spot or is no longer able to attend.