Alternative Breaks

There is one application for all alternative spring breaks. The application usually opens each year in November. 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.

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.

All options require class attendance and participation, a pre and post-experience reflection, and participation in the spring break service experience. The 3-credit section has additional requirements, including required readings, written reflections, and a post-trip final project.  Students auditing the course (taking the course but not for credit) are still asked to fully participate.  However, students auditing the class do not have to submit final projects.

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, concerns with the overload fee, or other matters please reach out to us to discuss options.

For questions, please contact leomironovich@boisestate.edu

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 February 24, 2023 (the first day of class). 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 Spring Break trip.

The class will be held on 5 Fridays throughout the spring semester. 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, and 3/31.  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.

All options require class attendance and participation, a pre and post-experience reflection, and participation in the spring break service experience. The 3-credit section has additional requirements, including required readings, written reflections, and a post-trip final project.  Students auditing the course (taking the course but not for credit) are still asked to fully participate.  However, students auditing the class do not have to submit final projects.

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 personal food during travel days, possible souvenirs, and in case of an emergency.  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.

The Alternative Spring Break Scholarships are intended to provide financial support to students who would otherwise not be able to participate in this program. Scholarships in various amounts are available as noted below:

Partnership Jamaica Team- $1600 scholarships available.  This leaves a remaining balance of $200.
Hells Canyon Team – $150 scholarships available.  This pays the entire trip fee.
Animal Advocacy Team – $200 scholarships available.  This pays the entire trip fee.
Healthy Homes Team – $25 scholarships available.  This pays the entire trip fee.

This application is due at the same time as your Alternative Spring Break application.
– Priority deadline of 12/9/22
– Final deadline of 2/1/23

Please contact leomironovich@boisestate.edu with any questions.

You can apply using this scholarship application link.

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.

A passport is required to participate in Partnership Jamaica.  You must have your passport in hand by February 1, 2023.  It must be valid through June 26, 2023.

Most cellular plans do not include international calls. Check with your cell phone provider for details about your specific plan, but we encourage students to take advantage of such an incredible learning experience and “unplug” as much as possible. Wifi is occasionally available, but not reliable.

We encourage students to bring some personal spending money to Jamaica.  We will work with the students to exchange US dollars for Jamaican dollars at a fair exchange rate once we arrive in Jamaica.

We hire a private and reputable van service to transport our team to and from all locations on the island.

All meals in Jamaica are included in the cost of the program.  Many meals are prepared onsite at the Whistling Bird (the place we are staying).  We will also get to try local Jamaican food at a couple different restaurants during our time there.  With advance notice, food accommodations can be made.