Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Break gives you the chance to participate in community-based projects that include engagement with members of the community and exposure to the problems, customs, and culture of the region. Our teams are trained by community partners to understand the specific content of their service work and are prepared to carry out their tasks.

Each trip will be comprised of a diverse group of students who will get to know one another in pre-service meetings January – March. This is a great way to meet new people who are also passionate about service! Choose to serve locally, nationally or internationally, receive pre-training, and take leadership roles on campus by participating in Alternative Break. These are students who want to make a difference, learn about themselves, and create a better community.

What do we do on Alternative Break?

During the week of Alternative Spring Break, a team of Pitt students participate in daily service projects with local nonprofit organizations and community partners. All transportation is coordinated through the Office of PittServes. The sponsoring agency gives an orientation that outlines the social issues that impact the community. Students have the opportunity to serve in Pittsburgh neighborhoods, Tennessee, and communities in Ecuador.

Students participate in intentional team building and community service with members of the organizations served. Spring Break is offered for all Pitt students. Each program determines the travel schedule, number of hours served, and continued engagement. Alternative Break is both drug-free and alcohol-free.

What to expect for Alternative Break 2022-2023?

Applications are open now for Spring 2023! All trips this year are rooted in the environment, sustainability and conservation-- working on projects within the community that will help to lessen the impacts of climate change and other environmental hazards, as well as improving the surrounding greenspace to make it more accessible to local communities! See the timeline below for more information on the application/selection process! 

Attend one of the following information sessions to learn more about the individual trips we are offering this year:

Thursday, September 29th at 9pm, WPU 527

Monday, October 3th at 9pm, WPU 527

Friday, October 7th at 12pm, WPU 527

Tuesday, October 11th at 5pm, WPU 527

Sunday, October 16th at 8pm, WPU 527

Wednesday, October 19th at 7pm, via Zoom 

Register HERE to let us know which session you will be attending!

Timeline

•  Applications are due October 21, 2022 at 11:59pm. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
• Interviews, which will take place between October 24th-November 12th, 2022
• Students will be notified with acceptance and financial aid award by November 18th, 2022
• Deposit is due January 1st, 2023
• Pre-service trainings will take place January-March 2023

Apply HERE for Alternative Break 2023

Click HERE to apply for Alt Break Financial Aid 

Questions? Email altbreak@pitt.edu