Students interested in a service-focused Spring Break experience are encouraged to sign up for the 2025 Alternative Spring Break trip to New York City, taking place March 15 – 21.
Organized by the Office of Civic Engagement and the Alternative Service Break (ASB) student organization, the trip offers students the opportunity to participate in various service projects, including housing construction, meal deliveries, after-school programs, and sustainability efforts, while immersing themselves in local culture. Past trips have taken students to the Dominican Republic, New Orleans, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
No matter the destination, Jayde Nelson, director of civic engagement, says students come away with a unique perspective on their experience.
"I'm always excited to see students who find themselves saying, 'I didn't know that this was an option' or 'I didn't know that this was possible.' It's those little things, like seeing them expand their horizons and breaking those barriers to understand what these experiences look like outside of the classroom or where they're from, that I enjoy," she said.
The upcoming trip will explore the five boroughs of New York City. ASB and Civic Engagement are coordinating with organizations such as 7 Elements and the Medici Project to finalize the trip's itinerary and maximize real-world experiences for students. All students in good standing are invited to sign up for the trip, and it's an opportunity that Nelson says often becomes a springboard for service.
"After these trips, students will often join ASB, remain friends with their classmates, and implement service into other work they are doing. I like to say, 'Enter to learn, go forth to serve.’ That kind of reflection often leads students to continue seeking similar experiences for the rest of their college career," she said.
The deadline to apply for the upcoming trip is Friday, Feb. 28. The $750 cost includes airfare, lodging, and food. Participating students will be accompanied by faculty advisors.
Trips are often offered around each Institute break –– fall, winter, spring, and summer. For more information, students can email servicebreaks@gatech.edu.
