Alternative Spring Break
The Alternative Spring Break Project advances the mission and pillars of Albertus Magnus College by engaging students, staff, faculty and community members in a sustained partnership that fosters service-learning and civic engagement. This service-learning endeavor embodies each of the four Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service.
What is Alternative Spring Break?
Albertus Magnus College coordinates an annual Alternative Spring Break Project through Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge. Alternative Break is a service-learning experience that is designed to enhance participants’ awareness of critical social issues and reinforces the Dominican Pillars.
The trip is hosted out-of-state, during the week of our Spring Break which is usually in March.
Hours completed by Albertus students and staff
Albertus student and staff volunteers
Locations served (Logan, OH, Bridgeport, CT, and New Haven, CT)
Who sponsors Alternative Spring Break?
- Dominican Mission and Ministries
- Office of Career & Professional Development
- Dominican Sister of Peace, Shalom Fund
Who participates in Alternative Spring Break?
Participants of Alternative Spring Break consist of a small group of undergraduate day students that are led by two Albertus faculty or staff members. Students who express interest must commit to this a week-long service-learning activity during the spring break period in March.
All interested students must commit to attend scheduled meetings and to help in fundraising efforts.
"My experience doing Habitat for Humanity will always be an unforgettable experience because I had a great time giving back to the Greater New Haven Community."
Eric Brown
Class of '22
When and where is the next trip?
March 8th - March 14th, 2020
Maple Shade, New Jersey
What is Habitat for Humanity and the Collegiate Challenge?
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity “is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
Collegiate Challenge
“Go from hitting the books to hitting nails with Collegiate Challenge. For more than 25 years, Habitat has provided alternative spring break volunteer opportunities to high school and college students. Since this program began in the late '80s, more than 250,000 have committed to building safe, affordable homes across the United States through Collegiate Challenge.”
"Throughout this journey, I have learned and experienced many things. While working with these wonderful people, I have learned the importance of teamwork and listening skills. This experience was a great opportunity, and I would love to do it again."
Le’Nina Williams
Class of '22
How much does it cost per student for the week?
It typically costs $400 per student to participate in Alternative Spring Break.
Where does my donation go?
All proceeds cover the cost of program fees, transportation, food, and accommodation.