CMU's Alternative Breaks program among nation's best

Volunteer program gives students the opportunity to give back to communities in need

January 16, 2013 —

Central Michigan University’s Alternative Breaks program has been ranked among the top five in the nation by Break Away, a national nonprofit organization that supports the development of university alternative break programs. As part of an annual national survey, CMU’s program ranked fifth for most trips coordinated by a school and fourth for the number of students participating in the trips.

Shawna Ross, director of the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center, says the Alternative Breaks program organizes approximately 40 trips throughout the academic calendar with more than 400 students volunteering for social justice issues including animal endangerment, natural disaster relief, suicide prevention, and hunger and homelessness.

“It’s really important for students to think about who they are as active citizens,” Ross said. “They’re learning in the classroom, but as they think about developing their leadership and citizenship skills, experiences with Alternative Breaks can help enhance the education they’re getting at the university.”

Alternative Breaks is “an opportunity for students to volunteer across the country and internationally based on social justice issues,” according to Ross. Students spend up to a week over the holidays, spring break and select weekends serving in communities in need.

“You learn a lot about yourself,” says Rockford senior Shannon Schmutz, who spent her holiday break in Urabamba, Peru, with a group of 10 CMU students working with children in schools and participating in reforestation. “College is about learning who you are and what you want to do with your life. Alternative Breaks really teaches you about what you want to do in the future, which strengthens your education.”

The program is based around volunteer service projects, meaning students who participate in Alternative Breaks must pay for their own travel. Campus programming funds, and a grant from CMU President George E. Ross that assists those in financial need, helps alleviate some of the costs for students interested in the program.

Ross says she has seen an increase in student participation in the program over the years, creating a need for a waitlist that typically averages more than 150 students.

“Students who have been involved share their experiences and what they’ve learned around campus,” Ross said. “They share their stories of how Alternative Breaks has changed who they are as a person, which has been our biggest recruitment tool.”

Greenville senior Kali Remelts, who traveled to New Orleans with a group of 12 CMU students over the holiday break to work with the St. Bernard Project on rebuilding homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Isaac, says she was recruited by friends who had been involved in the program. She says students involved in the program are “motivated and passionate about making a difference.”

“Alternative Breaks is full of a really close group of people,” Remelts said. “Everyone is so caring and sincere. I can honestly say the students in my team will be my friends for a very long time.”

Senior Kaite Young-Kendall of Muskegon, who spent the holiday break in Austin, Texas, working in animal rescue at the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary with a group of 11 CMU students, says she has strengthened her communication skills while being a site leader for the Alternative Breaks program. She says the passion shared between the students and allies in the community is what makes the program unique.

“It’s so incredible that I can come to this institution where I can meet so many different people from all walks of life and we can create something together,” Young-Kendall said. “That’s truly special.”

Media Contacts

Danny Goodwin Jr.

989-774-1072

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CMU's Alternative Breaks program gives students the opportunity to volunteer across the country and internationally for up to a week serving communities in need. As part of an annual national survey conducted by Break Away, CMU’s program ranked fifth for most trips coordinated by a school and fourth for the number of students participating in the trips. Alternative Breaks organizes approximately 40 trips throughout the academic calendar with more than 400 students volunteering for social justice issues including animal endangerment, natural disaster relief, suicide prevention, and hunger and homelessness.