Programs Breadcrumb Alternative Break

UCI Alternative Break Program                                                                                  

  • An alternative break program places teams of college students in communities to engage in community service and experiential learning during their winter or spring break.
  • Students perform short term projects for community agencies and learn about issues such as literacy, poverty, racism, hunger, homelessness and the environment.
  • The objectives of an alternative break program are to involve college students in community-based service projects and to give students opportunities to learn about the problems faced by members of communities with whom they otherwise may have had little or no direct contact.
  • The intensity of the experience increases the likelihood that participants will transfer the lessons learned on-site back to their own communities even after the alternative break ends.

By attending Alternative Winter Break participants will:

  1. Develop a better understanding of community and social issues.
  2. Form CCC collaborations that will be sustainable through the year.
  3. Develop a network of staff, peers, and community leaders.
  4. Engage in conversations about issues of diversity and social justice.

2011 Winter Break Sites

Nature & Culture

The mind, body, and soul are believed to be connected. Thus, we are taking the same approach and applying it to our awesome Alternative Winter Break! This trip will take on a holistic approach by learning about the Native American cultural practices of a specific tribe on the coast of California and participating in Channel Islands restoration projects. We hope to challenge cultural norms and also gain a deeper understanding of the importance in preserving natural ecosystems.

Homeless Youth Outreach

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, there are approximately 3.5 million homeless individuals in the United States,one-third of which under the age of 18. Many of these youth are runaways or foster youth who, discharged with no housing or income supported, are unable to successfully transition into independent living. Not only do these individuals experience high instability in their lives with inconsistent food, shelter, and education, they also face a dramatically increased risk of chronic diseases, HIV, drug addiction, and incarceration. Our trip will seek to explore the homeless experience through the eyes of these youth. Based in Berkeley and San Francisco, we will work with multiple areas in the Bay Area.

2012 Spring Break Sites

Alterative Spring Break applications will be available February 21- February 27, 2012.   Site descriptions and details are subject to change. 

Site #1: 

Location: San Bernardino, CA & Barstow, CA

This program will focus on museum and archeological studies.  Participants will hear from museum directors, and take part in an archeological dig site.  Through hands on service opportunities, educational workshops, and interaction with the museum patrons, students will gain a better understading of the museum science process, including archiving, exhibits, and searching for articifcts. 

The Education Gap and the Museum Experience: Museums are utilized as catalysts to strengthen the knowledge in our public education system. Through the museum, we can create and facilitate a meaningful education experience. This provides many opportunities to move the learning experience outside of the classroom. Museums additionally combine the call for social justice and cultural democracy in order to redesign the educational experience. We will explore the museum holistically, and through close collaboration with its staff, learn what it takes to curate artifacts and sustain a museum. This trip offers opportunities to work with the San Bernardino County Museum, providing hands-on experience with the museum's collections. We will also be participating in an archaeological dig at the Early Man Calico Site in Barstow, California

Lodging:  University of Redlands & Camping at dig site

Dates:  Monday, March 26-March 31

Site Leader: David Liu

 

Site #2: 

Location:  California Bay Area

This program will address the issue of community health and access to nutritional food.  Alternative Break participants will learn about the social issues regarding food access through direct service, education, and reflection.  Students will volunteer at the food bank and local farms. 

Food and Health in the Community: Food is an integral part of our daily lives and it carries significant impact on individual and community health. California has been the top producer of food in the US for decades, and is the world's fifth largest supplier of food. Yet even in this state with such abundance, many people find themselves living in food deserts where access to affordable and healthy food is difficult and expensive. This trip will focus the issues of food justice, access, and sustainability. We will be exploring the relationship between food and community health in the Bay Area by working with various organizations such as the San Francisco Food Bank and Tara Firma Farms.

Lodging:  hostel, camping

Dates:  Sunday, March 26- Friday, March 30

Site Leader:  Judith Chuang

 

Site #3:

Location:  La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indian Reservation, Pauma Valley, CA

La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians- Currently, the La Jolla Indian Reservation is a federal reservation of Luiseño Indians in Northern San Diego County, along the southern slopes of Mount Palomar. Tribal Government consists of a five member Tribal Council, with a Tribal Chair, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Council Member. Partnering with the La Jolla community, Alternative Break participants will take part in a variety of community activities and events. 

Working with the La Jolla Luiseño: With UC Irvine's small population of Native American Indians on its campus, there is a great need to encourage Tribal Youth to pursue higher education to combat the high prevalence of suicide and alcohol related deaths within this community. There is a lack of education on health promotion that has caused such communities to suffer from high rates of diabetes and obesity. These issues are all inter-linked.  We will be working with the La Jolla Luiseño Native American Indian Reservation this spring break in order to explore the cultural awareness and identity development; the encouragement of pursuing higher education; and the importance of health advocacy. Some of the projects include: environmental aspects, public health interventions, tutoring the Tribal Youth, and exercise programs. We hope to gain a greater appreciation of cultural diversity and work within this welcoming community in order to better grasp Reservation life and improve the overall well-being of the individuals we work with.

Lodging:  Community Center (on site)

Dates:  Sunday, March 26- Saturday, March 31

Site Leader:  Emi Oshima


Application  Process

Alternative Spring Break Applications are availabe Monday, February 20- Monday, February 27. Applications are due to the CCC no later than 5pm on Monday, February 27. All applicants must sign up for an interview upon application submission at the CCC. Space is limited for each service site. 

Eligibility:

  1. Must be a UCI enrolled undergraduate student (not solely enrolled in UCI extension courses).
  2. Must not be on academic or judicial probation.
  3. Must be 18 years of age or older.
  4. Must be able to attend the Spring Break Orientation on Friday, March 16th 5-8pm. 
  5. Must type application responses. Handwritten responses will not be considered. 
  6. Overall cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above (attach explanation if lower).

NOTIFICATIONS

We are currently interviewing candidates for the Spring 2012 Alternative Break Program.  Notfications will not be sent till Friday, March 16th at 4pm via email. 

Thank you for your interest and patience. 

Application:  2012 Alternative Spring Break Participant Application (PDF)