CCEL Student Team: Alternative Breaks

The following explain each social issue and trips for Spring 2023!

• Homelessness/Poverty Issues (Brooklyn, New York)

  12 Participants | $2,620 | March 5-11

  New York City is one of the most popular cities in the world with people visiting from all over. New York City is also one of the richest cities, but it also has one of the highest rates of homelessness and the housing crisis is making it worse. Middle-class and low-income families are having to resort to living in their cars and visiting food pantries to survive. Volunteering at local shelters around NYC is a great way to help out with housing insecurity and homelessness.

  This year we will be working with an organization called Little Essentials. This organization offers at-risk families living in poverty with needed children’s supplies and parenting education to promote the health, well-being and safety of their children under five years of age. Little Essentials strives to close the inequality gap for families suffering from poverty and seeks to raise awareness of the systems of racism and white supremacy that have led to poverty. Through educational workshops and giving, we hope to focus on racial equity and inclusion, and fostering empowerment from within our communities.

  IMPORTANT: This community partner requires all participants to be vaccinated and have proof of vaccination. If you have no proof of vaccination you will not be able to participate in this trip considering that the reason for this trip is to be with this community partner.

  The cost of the trip covers: airfare, lodging, transportation, some group activities, and food.

• Public Health (Atlanta, Georgia)

  12 Participants | $1,965 | March 5-11

  Atlanta is the capital of the U.S. state of Georgia. It played an important part in both the Civil War and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Atlanta History Center chronicles the city's past, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site is dedicated to the African-American leader’s life and times. In Atlanta, the women population is 255,321 making up about half of its population.

  This trip will be focusing on public health within the community of Atlanta, Georgia. Our team will be working alongside Cool Girls, Inc  to help break the chain of poverty, increase self-esteem, and prevent teen pregnancy. Overall, we will be working with these young women to help encourage them to understand that they can change the world. As their flagship initiative, the Cool Girls Club is a weekly after-school program for girls in 2nd to 8th grade. Their programs provide academic support, life-skills development, physical fitness and nutrition programs and exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Students are taught by volunteers, staff and school personnel on topics impacting girls like puberty, self-esteem and conflict resolution.

  The cost of the trip covers: airfare, lodging, transportation, some group activities, and food.

• Community Building (San Diego, California - SSS Students Only)

  12 Participants | $200 | March 5-11

  San Diego elected leaders and government bureaucrats have worked on affordable housing for years, but sadly their efforts have been largely unsuccessful. San Diego now tops the list of the nation’s most unaffordable housing market. Sierra Service Project works to build strong connections and resilience among communities.

  Join us this Spring in home repair work so residents throughout the Western United States can safely age in place. Sierra Service Project is proud to be a founding member of the Coalition for Home Repair (formerly ReFrame Association), the premier nonprofit organization promoting and supporting the work of home repair and rehabilitation partners nationwide. We provide funding, advocacy, and educational resources to ensure the preservation of safe, healthy, affordable housing for all.

  IMPORTANT: This trip is only for students registered with the Student Support Services department. The cost of the trip is supported through grant funding to keep costs low.

  The cost of the trip covers: airfare, lodging, transportation, some group activities, and food.

• Application & General Information 
  • Applications: Application typically open after Fall break. Check back often for updates!
  • Interviews: Are are held in November.
  • Pre-trip meetings: Are held during January - March.
  • Trips: Are held in March during Spring Break.

   

  Advisor Application:

  Applications Are Closed

• Participant Expectations

  All participants are required to attend mandatory pre-trip meetings, service group projects decided by the team, CCEL symposium, and reorientation banquet - no exceptions. Pre-trip meetings and service projects are crucial for our collective success in the community engagement we will be participating in on the trip. If participants do not attend, their spot in the trip could be forfeited and no refund will be issued.

• Contact Us
  

  Student Director

  Ruby Vejar 
  rubyvejar@weber.edu

  

  Student Assistant Director

  Alexandra Hoxer alexandrahoxer@mail.weber.edu

  

  Interim Staff Advisor

  Amanda Nielsen
  amandanielsen1@weber.edu

  

  Student Trip Leader

  Ulises Lopez
  uliseslopez@mail.weber.edu

  

  Student Trip Leader

  Nina Villanueva
  ninavillanueva@mail.weber.edu

  

  Student Trip Leader

  Paige Walkins
  paigewalkins@mail.weber.edu

  

  Student Trip Leader

  Jerzee Findlay
  jerzeefindlay@mail.weber.edu

   

• FAQ

  Q: How do I become a trip leader or participant?

  Trip Leaders are selected through a trip proposal and application process that takes place in March and April of each year.  Participants apply through an application and are selected through a review and interview process. 

  Q: When do the trips happen?

  We host alternative break trips during the Fall and Spring semester breaks. 

  Q: Fall Break vs. Spring Break 

  Fall Break is a one- to two-day local trip that includes service and reflection that may include an overnight stay. Spring Break trips range from a one- to two-day local trip (without overnight stay) to seven- to nine-day overnight travel trips. 

  Q: How many students participate with the trips?

  We try to limit all trips to 10-12 participants per trip.

  Q: Who is eligible to go on an Alternative Break trip?

  Current Weber State students are eligible to apply.  Full or part-time students are eligible. 

  Q: How do I apply for an Alternative Break trip?

  Applications for Alternative Spring Breaks can be found on our website and will usually open in October. Fall Break applications typically open by the beginning of the Fall semester.

  Q: How do I pay for my Alternative Break experience?

  Participants are responsible for the cost of their trips.  The University can help subsidize the trips. Scholarships and fundraising are also options to help reduce cost. Contact CCEL for questions regarding details and funding support for the cost of trips.

  Q: How much do Alternative Break Programs cost?

  Trips range from $500-$1500+ depending on location and transportation.

  Q: Are payments broken up? Are payment plans available?

  Payments are broken up and payment plans can be set up if needed.