Application Deadlines
20-21 Program Applications go live in late August, 2020.
Questions? Email ALTBREAK@american.edu for more info
Contact Us
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Center for Community Engagement and Service
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
AU Forward: The Plan for Fall 2020 has been announced. Please visit the COVID-19 resources website for detailed information.
Alternative Break Programs
Every year, the Center for Community Engagement and Service trains and sends groups of 10-15 students into their local and global communities to experience hands-on work with social justice issues.
The Alternative Break Program is a student-focused initiative that organizes international and domestic trips with a social justice perspective three times per year (winter, spring, and summer break). Alternative Breaks are service-learning experiences designed to heighten participants’ awareness of critical social issues, enhance their individual growth, and prepare them for lifelong social action. Each student-initiated trip integrates service, reflection and education and focuses on topics as varied as poverty, indigenous rights, structural racism, human rights, fair trade, gender equality, and the environment.
Leadership Application Information
Please contact us at altbreak@american.edu for information regarding Alternative Break Leadership
Winter 2019-2020 Programs
Building Peace After Genocide
Bosnia: Sarajevo & Mostar
Explore the historic factors that lead to war in Bosnia, while partnering with locals leading the community in both remembering and rebuilding from the collective trauma of genocide.
Ghosts of War: Post-Conflict Recovery
Laos & Vietnam
Experience first-hand the effects of climate change and environmental degradation by meeting with those most affected, including time with NGOs working to combat the effects.
Life After Apartheid: South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town & Johannesburg
Examine educational inequalities; combine leadership styles to leave participants better equipped to tackle structural inequalities in their personal lives.
Spring 2020 Programs
Sovereignty as a Verb
NAVAJO NATION
Examine legal institutions and conservation in the Navajo Nation. Explore the importance of sovereignty and self-determination among Indigenous communities across the United States.
Peacebuilding After Conflict
BOSNIA
Explore the systemic factors and reconciliation efforts regarding the Bosnian Conflict and Genocide 1992-1996. Become life-long peacebuilders and active community members in their respective communities upon our return.
Structural Food Inequality
MEMPHIS
Explore how food insecurity effects marginalized communities. Examine how and ability to access nutritious food in the United States is directly linked to privilege, wealth, and systemic racism.
Genocide Recognition
ARMENIA
Learn about genocide recognition and the roles that grassroots movements, international institutions, and states all play in the fight for justice against genocide.
School-to-Prison Pipeline: A Public Health Crisis
CHICAGO
Examine and understand how the social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences (ACES) play a role in determining a child’s educational outcome, and how we can best support schools through advocacy and policy.
Separate and Unequal: Health Inequities
DETROIT
Examine the various barriers that limit individuals and their community’s ability to be healthy. We will focus on health inequity and the path to health equity in Detroit, Michigan.
Dialogue, LGBTQ Identity, and Collective Memory
SPAIN
This program will engage students in dialogue at the intersection of LGBTQ identity and collective memory in a post-conflict context in Madrid and Barcelona. Students will return to Washington D.C as advocates of dialogue which fosters LGBTQ community and rights.
Access to Education, Gender, & Race
HONDURAS
Explore how Honduran communities work to empower their youth through education and programs promoting ecological and social awareness. Return to enrich DC communities to improve social inclusivity and empower youth.