Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks are immersive service experiences designed to introduce students to new communities while working to address pressing domestic and global social issues. Participating in an Alternative Break is a great way to get to know other students, make a positive impact, and have a meaningful fall or spring break! Check out this year’s programs and click on the links for each community partner to learn more:

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Fall Break 2025 (October 16-18, 2025)

*Scholarships are available for all Fall Break programs

Food Security (Asheville, NC): Students will work with a variety of partners in Western North Carolina that help address food insecurity, including Bounty & Soul and Root Cause Farm. Student fee is $200.

Urban Housing & Homelessness (Charlotte, NC): Students will learn about urban housing and homelessness in the context of Charlotte and will work with a variety of nonprofit organizations including Beds for Kids and Charlotte Family Housing. Student fee is $200.

Spring Break 2026 (March 21/22-28, 2026) – Priority Deadline, October 24 at 11:59pm 

*Scholarships are available for all Spring Break programs

Community Development (Costa Rica) – March 21-28, 2026: Students will work with Cultural Connections and Volunteers to support a small community of Nicaraguan refugees. Service work tends to be more physically intensive. Student fee is $1,800.

Housing & Hunger (Nashville, TN) – March 22-28, 2026: Students will work to better understand what housing insecurity and hunger look like in Nashville and will volunteer with local organizations that work to combat these social issues, including Catholic Charities of Nashville and Dream Streets. Student fee is $500.

Environmental Sustainability (Savannah, GA) – March 22-28, 2026: Students will support a variety of sustainability efforts in and around Savannah, Georgia. The group will work with a number of organizations including Tybee Clean Beach Volunteers, Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary and Second Harvest of Coastal Geogia. Student fee is $500.

    Alternative Break Frequently Asked Questions 

    Staff and Faculty Learning Partner Expectations and Frequently Asked Questions

    Elon Alternative Breaks integrate Break Away’s 8 Components of a Quality Alternative Break into our program model.

    For questions about Alternative Breaks, contact Andrew Moffa at amoffa@elon.edu.