For Alternative Spring Break, spring break usually provides an opportunity for students to engage in week-long service learning projects outside Charlottesville. With the University’s nixing of a week-long break period this academic year, ASB was forced to adapt — especially when considering the University’s emphasis on limited travel. ASB used this challenge as an opportunity to foster stronger connections with local programs, recentering their organization’s goals towards applying service learning directly to the Charlottesville community.

ASB has been a prominent CIO at the University since 1992 when it began as a part of Madison House before eventually branching off. ASB provides service-based travel opportunities to students on Grounds at locations across the United States, and in past years, has organized between 15 and 30 national trips. Programs work with organizations like the National Park Service and Habitat for Humanity International over the span of a normal, seven-day spring break. The number of trips each year depends both on the number of program applicants — they had around 140 this academic year — and the number of site leaders — veteran members — who wish to attend since. Just up to 10 students can be involved with each individual trip, including two site leaders.

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