Alternative Break
Connect with communities around the world and work to co-create change by participating in an Alternative Break trip.
Participants spend 5-9 days learning about critical challenges facing communities, interacting with local leaders, and performing short-term projects with community agencies. Students selected to participate in the Spring program are eligible to enroll in SOIS-300 Community Development, Alt. Break course (3 credit hours) offered in partnership with the School of Individualized Study.
Spring 2026 Locations
- Common Ground Relief: Wetland Preservation & Community Development in New Orleans, LA.
- Serve901: Food Justice in Memphis, TN.
- Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity: Housing Security in Punta Gorda, FL.
- American Hiking Society: Protected Land Policy in Cloudland Canyon State Park, GA.
All trips will cost $675. Scholarships are available.
Applications for 2026 trips are now closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email vrcrli@rit.edu.
Past Locations
Domestic
- Atlanta, GA
- Biloxi, MS
- Blackville, SC
- Charleston, SC
- Dallas, TX
- DeFuniak Springs, FL
- Houston, TX
- Miami, FL
- New Orleans, LA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Puerto Rico
- Raleigh, NC
- Roanoke, VA
International
- Costa Rica
Puerto Rico
Media and Testimonials
Jack Nelson’s Alternative Break Experience
Olivia Williams’ Alternative Break Experience
Ricky Witherspoon’s Alternative Break Experience
Claire Finnerty’s Alternative Break Experience
Ben Marus’ Alternative Break Experience
Rachel Tassoni’s Alternative Break Experience
Tony Mendoza’s Alternative Break Experience
2018 Alternative Break: Disaster Relief in Houston
Alternative Break Leadership Opportunities
Become a Leadership Scholar and work alongside staff in the Center to Leadership and Civic Engagement to plan and organize Alternative Break trips.
To learn more, email lead@rit.edu.
