10 participants + 2 Team leaders = one great weekend/Week of fun and service!

Michigan State University Alternative Spartan Breaks (MSU ASB) is a student-led organization that creates short-term service experiences that focus on a variety of social issues that correlate with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These experiences challenge students to think critically and compassionately about how they can contribute to social change now and way beyond their time at MSU.

Being part of ASB is more than just going on a service trip; as a breaker, you are joining a community of service-minded Spartans who seek to address social issues and initiate change. This is a life-changing experience

The Community Collaborator Continuum is the driving force behind what we do at MSU ASB. The continuum is why it is so important to us that alternative break programs incorporate the Nine Components of Quality Community Engagement. They build capacity with communities that are struggling with social issues. And they make a real impact on individuals, too.

Choosing an ab experience:

In order to select which experience you would like to participate in, please refer to the “Alternative Break Experience” tab. There you can find descriptions of all of the experiences, along with a social issue and UN Sustainable Development Goals that the experience aims to address. Our goal is to have a program full of students genuinely interested in serving with communities and fellow Spartans.

Please Note: The locations are not disclosed at the time of applying. In our 30+ years of experience, we find that the alternative break experiences are much more meaningful when students select their experiences based on the social issues they are passionate about, instead of the location. We do include the time zone to provide some sense of destination.

positions available

Students have the opportunity to be a participant or co-lead an alternative break experience! No Experience necessary!

Leadership Positions

Becoming a Team Leader is a great opportunity for service-focused students looking for an opportunity to develop their leadership skills while creating a meaningful, fun, and impactful experience for others. No experience is necessary and you get lots of training and support!

Each experience has two site leaders, and together they:

  • Plan, facilitate, and lead the experience.

  • Serve as an ally to all students on the experience and are charged with creating a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where every member of the experience can thrive. 

  • Participate in the service as well as facilitate the participant’s immersion into the social issue.  This includes creating, organizing, and leading reflection and/or educational activities.

  • Engage fully into the program. Attend all site leader training sessions, post-experience service events, educational and/or cultural meetings, and organization-wide events. 

Becoming a Team leader will not only help you develop leadership and team-building skills but will also allow you to learn more about yourself and others. You will grow as a person and will be better prepared for your future career and endeavors! Apply today for our Fall Experiences!

Participant

We are looking for students that have a(an):

  • Willingness to learn about social issues, while working alongside a non-profit organization with lived experience.

  • Ability to get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new culture/community.

  • Desire to meet new people and make new friends.

Program Fees

ASB strives to make our experiences cost-effective for all students. Program fees include the cost of transportation, housing, food, service fees, and T-shirts.

  • Weekend experiences: $50

  • Winter/Spring domestic experiences: $400

  • Payment plans are available. 

  • Scholarships are available.

verifying hours:

ASB appreciates all the hard work each breaker puts into their service and are happy to verify hours. Please email us asb.msu.breaker@gmail.com for verification.