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University of Colorado Denver

Office of Student Life
 

Alternative Break

What is Alternative Break?

 
Every semester, the Experiential Learning Center and Office of Student Life coordinate an "extended" community service opportunity for students at CU Denver. Students travel out of state to explore social issues by volunteering with various community-based organizations.

 
Participation in the Alternative Break program will challenge and inform your understanding of relevant community and social justice issues in our society. The selection criteria is aimed at understanding your level of teamwork, interest in social issue, leadership, diversity and potential for growth.​​
 
CU Denver Alternative Break 


 

Mission Statement

The Alternative Break program exposes students to complex social and cultural issues through direct service, experiential learning, group discussion, and personal reflection. The vision is to transform students into advocates of social change on issues affecting our communities.​
 
 
 
 
 

​ Guatemala 2013 – May 22nd-May 31st

 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. WE SHALL BE BACK WITH MORE UPDATES.

Graduating Seniors are now eligible for the Alternative Break trip to Guatemala!
Applications have been extended to Sunday March 3rd at 11:59pm
 
   We are excited to announce the first International Alternative Break trip to Guatemala! Applications will open on February 22nd at 9am and close on Friday, March 3rd at 11:59pm.The online application will be open for a full week and each application will be carefully reviewed by a selection committee. There is no need to rush through the application. We want you to spend time answering the questions and reflect on why this experience is right for you. All students must have a valid passport for this trip


 

The goals of the trip are to:

1.  Participate in service projects that impact the community.
2.  Develop community amongst the student participants.
3.  Have new and exciting experiences in another part of the world.


Students are expected to participate in all group activities. Participants will not be allowed to engage in activities outside of the group agenda. An advisor must be present at all activities. The Alternative Break experience will not count toward academic credit.


 

Service Areas

The group will explore issues related to agriculture, environmental sustainability, education and children

Expenses

 
 
Total cost for students participating in the International Alternative Break is $1,050.00. This cost will cover all expenses including: airfare, lodging, meals and transportation in Guatemala. Students are responsible for transportation to and from Denver International Airport. The total amount can be split in two installments. The first payment is due at the first group meeting on April 5th (see below). Due to airline regulations, we will not be able to refund any money after the first meeting.

 

Important Dates

Applications will open on Friday, February 22nd at 9am and close on Friday, March 1st at 11:59pm. Notifications will be sent out to selected participants on March 15th. All Students are required to attend mandatory group meetings on the following dates, NO EXCEPTIONS.

 
Friday, April 5th ($ 525) at 2pm in Tivoli 442
Friday, April 12th ($ 525)at 2pm in Tivoli 442
Friday, May 3rd at 2pm in Tivoli 442
Tuesday, May 21st at 2pm in Tivoli 140
 
 

Wednesday, May 22nd – Leave Denver and arrive in Guatemala
Friday, May 31st – Leave Guatemala and return to Denver

 

Tentative Itinerary 

May 22: Depart from Denver, stay the night in Guatemala City

May 23: Leave Guatemala City for Quetzaltenango, get settled and explore city

May 24: First full day, 2 hours of language/history/culture, 6 hours of service, stay the night as a group in the school

May 25: 2 hours of language/history/culture, 6 hours of service, stay the night as a group in the school

May 26: 2 hours of language/history/culture, 6 hours of service, stay the night as a group in the school

May 27: 2 hours of language/history/culture, 6 hours of service, stay the night with a family

May 28: 2 hours of language/history/culture, 6 hours of service, stay the night as a group in the school

May 29: Leave Quetzaltenango for Antigua, stay the night in Antigua

May 30: Full day in Antigua to see sites, drive to Guatemala City and stay the night

May 31: Depart from Guatemala City, arrive in Denver


 
 
 
 

 
   
  
​CU Denver Alternative Winter Break 2013
 

Mission Statement

The Alternative Winter Break program exposes students to complex social and cultural issues through direct service, experiential learning, group discussion, and personal reflection. The vision is to transform students into advocates of social change on issues affecting our communities.
 
 
The goals of the trip are to:
1.  Participate in service projects that impact the local community.
2.  Develop community amongst the student participants.
3.  Have new and exciting experiences in another part of the country.

Students are expected to participate in all group activities.  Participants will not be allowed to engage in activities outside of the group agenda.  An advisor must be present at all activities.
 
 
2013 Location:
San Diego, CA- Students will participate in projects focused on social issues such as: poverty/homelessness, immigration, environmental, and educational issues with a variety of nonprofits in San Diego.   
 
New Orleans, LA-Students will participate in projects focused on social issues such as: poverty/homelessness, home rebuilding, urban renewal, environmental and educational issues with a variety of non-profits in New Orleans.
 
Expenses
Total cost for students participating in AWB is $200.00 (cash or check). This includes airfare, lodging, and all meals.  The total amount will be due at the first orientation meeting (see timeline below)  Due to airline regulations, we will not be able to refund any money after the first meeting.
 
Students are responsible for transportation to and from Denver International Airport.
 
 Timeline for the trip:
  
Friday, September 28 at 9am: Applications available: www.ucdenver.edu/asb
Friday, October 19: All participants will be notified
Friday, November 9: MANDATORY MEETING 2:00PM-
All $200 due-No refunds after this date.  You must attend all mandatory meetings or you will forfeit your spot on the trip and will not be given a refund.
Friday, December 14: MANDATORY MEETING 2:00PM
 
Friday, January 4: MANDATORY MEETING 2:00PM
Sunday, January 6: Leave Denver-arrive in Location
Saturday, January 12: Leave Location arrive back in Denver
 
Students must be a current CU Denver student in good academic standing and be able to pass a background check. For more information: www.ucdenver.edu/asb   
 
The CU Denver Alternative Winter Break encourages hard work, critical thinking and, most of all, FUN!
 
Location & Time for the meetings
 
November 9th from 2-4 Tivoli 320 B &C
December 14th from 2-4 Tivoli 320 C
January 4th from 2-4 Tivoli 320 B & C
 

​​ Alternative Spring Brea​k Applications are now closed.



CU Denver Alternative Spring Break 2013

  
   We have recently changed the application and selection process to better serve our student participants. The online application will now be open for a full week and each application will be carefully reviewed by a selection committee. There is no need to rush through the application. We want you to spend time answering the questions and reflect on why this experience is right for you.
   
  Participation in the Alternative Break program will challenge and inform your understanding of relevant community and social justice issues in our society. The selection criteria is aimed at understanding your level of teamwork, interest in social issue, leadership, diversity and potential for growth.​

 

 

Mission Statement

The Alternative Spring Break program exposes students to complex social and cultural issues through direct service, experiential learning, group discussion, and personal reflection. The vision is to transform students into advocates of social change on issues affecting our communities.
 
 
Trips
The Alternative Break program would like to promote the issues being explored on these trips, rather than the location. Trip location will be revealed to selected participants.

 
Trip A: American Indian Reservation
Students will participate in projects focused on social issues such as: cultural integrity, environment, education and sustainability on a reservation.

 
Trip B: Homelessness and Hunger
Students will participate in projects focused on social issues such as: poverty, homelessness and food insecurity by working with homeless shelters and food banks.

 
Applications will open Monday January 14th at 9am and close Sunday, January 27th at 11:59pm.

Decisions will be sent out to selected participants on Friday, February 1st. Students are required to attend mandatory group meetings on the following dates:

Friday, February 8th at 2pm
Friday, March 1st at 2pm
Friday, March 22nd at 2pm
 

 
 

Office of Student Life, University of Colorado Denver

Phone: 303-556-3399 • Fax: 303-556-3695

Street Address: 900 Auraria Parkway, Suite 303 • Mailing Address: Campus Box 83, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364

E:mail: studentlife@ucdenver.edu

University of Colorado Denver

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