Program Description
Since 2001 Alternative Breaks has taken teams of student volunteers on weeklong service-learning trips to communities outside of the Bay Area, including the Central Valley and New Orleans, LA.  

These student-led trips teach the complexities of social issues by allowing students to work, eat, and live with the people who are directly impacted by racism, poverty, and other injustices addressed in pre-trip DeCal courses.  Alternative Breaks engages faculty whose disciplines/areas of research intersect with these social issues, as well as alumni living in or near communities served.

Participants often come back with new perspectives of themselves and of the world around them. 

Communities served by Alternative Breaks can rely on continued engagement of Cal students through these annual trips.  The program has sustained partnerships in each of our trip areas from 3-8 years.

Learn more about our history and past Alternative Breaks.

The Alternative Breaks program is generously supported by The Vice-Chancellor’s Student Opportunities Fund, ASUC, Prytanean, Ethnic Studies 5th Account, Westmoreland Foundation, and Alt Breaks alumni.

Support Alternative Breaks

Requirements
Trip participants are expected to enroll in and attend a spring semester DeCal class, as well as participate in all fundraising activities. While on the service trip, volunteers must adhere to trip guidelines and accept Break Leader decisions as final. Upon return, volunteers are required to participate in all post-trip DeCal reflection sessions, including creation of a trip scrapbook.

How to Get Involved
Visit the Alternative Breaks office in 102 Sproul, or during October attend an info session or look for our table on Upper Sproul or in the dining halls.

Learn more about how you can take part in an upcoming service trip.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: October 22nd, 5pm PST. 
• Info Sessions:
  • Thursday, Oct. 15, 6-7PM, 130 Wheeler
  • Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5-6PM, 123 Wheeler
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5-6PM, 2030 VLSB
• Before applying  please review our Participant Agreement.
• All trips take place during Spring Break
• All trips require a pre-trip DeCal during Spring 2010

Stay updated!
To get reminders on the application deadline and latest news on info session times/locations, email us with the subject: 'Add to mailing list'!

Program Contact
Catherine Nguyen at (510) 642-7811 or  altbreaks@berkeley.edu

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