Alternative Spring Break

Program Description

This spring a group of Simmons students and administration will travel together for an "Alternative" Spring Break. This exciting opportunity will involve a cross-section of the Simmons community on a trip to build community and houses with our international partner, Habitat for Humanity.

An Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program places teams of students in communities to engage in community service and experiential learning during spring breaks. Students perform short-term projects for community agencies and learn about issues such as literacy, poverty, racism, hunger, homelessness and the environment.

On a typical day, the group will wake up on the floor of the volunteer center, eat breakfast and be at the work site for an early construction meeting. Students will participate in any of the following activities: pour the foundation, raise the outside or inside walls, raise the roof (literally!), hang drywall, paint and everything else involved in building a house. After a hard day of work, students might attend a community dinner or take turns cooking for each other. At night they may learn about local history and culture, see a local performance or spend the night playing games and getting to know each other. Before going to bed, the group will spend time in guided reflection learning about themselves and each other, talking about their experiences and learning to be a better citizen.

In preparation for the trip, students will participate in a number of activities and meetings prior to spring break.

The Alternative Spring Break will offer students an immersion experience in civic engagement, guided reflection led by students and staff, a fun and meaningful spring break and an "alternative" to other spring break activities.

Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.