This project is now in update mode. Check back regularly to see how things are progressing.
SNHU Serves
What is Alternative Break?
The Southern New Hampshire University Alternative Break program sends groups of 10-12 students on week-long service trips over winter and spring break. The service done on these trips relates to a specific social issue. Alternative Break combines strong issue education, direct service, and reflection for a life-changing experience. Alternative Break is a completely student-led experience. Each trip has two student leaders who plan trip logistics, educate their peers about the social issues their trip will address, and lead reflection activities throughout the experiences.
Our ultimate goal is to move students along the Active Citizen Continuum, as developed by Break Away, the national organization for Alternative Breaks. We work in partnership with community organizations around the world to create immersive service experiences that will lead students on a path to active citizenship while helping to create sustainable change for communities in need.
Who are the students?
Students involved in the SNHU Alternative Break program come from a wide range of majors and academic disciplines. They are first year students and seniors, commuters and residential students. They share one thing- a desire to make a difference. Participating in the Alternative Break Program provides them a chance to hear new perspectives while learning about pertinent social issues that impact their communities.
2015-2016 Alternative Break Program
The first SNHU Alternative Break trip was in 2004. A small group of students went to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to work with Habitat for Humanity. Over the past ten years we’ve learned a lot, made significant improvements to our program, and have continued to grow. This year we’ll send 50 SNHU students on four different trips. It’s our biggest year yet. The four trips we’re offering are:
- Breaking the Cycle: Empowering through Education in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic
- No More Damsels in Distress: Fighting Gender-Based Violence in Miami, Florida
- The Color of Poverty: Examining the Intersections of Race & Poverty in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Community Development and Clean Water in Santa Julia, Nicaragua
How Can You Help?
One of the biggest barriers to student participation is cost. Our trips range from a few hundred dollars to almost $1000 per student. Your donation supports:
- Travel costs
- Housing
- Food
- Service project materials
- A service-learning opportunity of a lifetime
Every dollar you donate goes directly to our students to help them fund their trips. Thank you for your support!
$12
12 Years of Alternative Break
Your gift celebrates 12 years of Alternative Break at SNHU!
$30
30 Trips Over the Years
Dedicate your gift to the 30 past trips SNHU students have participated in.
$53
53 Students Doing AB
Your gift recognizes the 53 students committing to Alternative Break this year.
$118
118 Hands On Deck
Your gift represents the 118 students' hands working on these projects.
$269
269 Students from Past ABs
Your gift honors the 269 students who have already participated in Alternative Break programs at SNHU.
$692
692 Dollars of Impact
Your gift represents the incredible $692 in economic impact of one Alternative Breaker's service on a one-week trip.
$765
765 Hours of Pre-Trip Prep
Your gift symbolizes the combined 765 hours the Alternative Break team will spend learning about the social issues their trips will address.
$900
900 Sponsorship Dollars
Your gift of $900 represents the out-of-pocket cost of one student's international AB experience.
$1,530
1530 Hours of Service
Your gift is a tribute to the 1530 hours of service our Alternative Breakers will provide to communities in need this year.