Alternative Breaks
Embark on adventure and make a difference this spring break. Alternative Breaks take you out of the classroom to learn from communities, immersing you in engaging, hands-on explorations of social and environmental issues through meaningful service projects and dialogue.
During an Alternative Break trip you’ll be part of a team of 8-12 passionate students. Your team will engage in direct service projects, join in educational conversations with inspiring leaders, and reflect on how your experience has fostered new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Every Alternative Break includes community immersion time where you’ll explore the city’s history and culture through team-planned recreation and sightseeing activities.
You’ll return inspired and empowered to create positive change in your own community.
Students can earn academic credit(s) for attending an Alternative Break trip. To explore your options, contact Experiential Learning Program Manager, Jenah Mead, at jenah.mead@mso.umt.edu.
Upcoming Alternative Breaks
Stay tuned for more info on our Spring 2026 Spring Break Trips. Applications to open in November 2025.
We will be heading back to both Seattle and Point Reyes, as well as a new mystery location we will be unveiling closed to our application period!
Read about our last Alternative Break here. On this trip, 23 incredible UM students traded their beach towels for work boots and chose to use their spring break to make a difference by embarking on two life-changing Alternative Breaks through ELCS's Career Days initiative. These service-learning trips took students beyond the classroom and into communities in Seattle, WA and Point Reyes, CA, where they combined hard work with deep learning, connection, and adventure.