Alternative Breaks
Alvernia University Alternative Breaks organizes weekend and week-long service and immersion trips for students to inspire and empower them to lead lives dedicated to serving the underserved, promoting peace and justice and working toward the common good. The hope is that these short-term experiences will challenge students to make a lifelong commitment to servant leadership and active citizenship.
Make A Difference
Upcoming Breaks
- Spring Break
- February 28 - March 5 , 2027
- The Urban Challenge Program at the Romero Center in Camden, NJ is an urban service experience rooted in
the Catholic faith tradition. This unique educational and retreat opportunity helps its participants
understand urban poverty, its causes, and the many issues people in these communities confront daily. Urban
decay, unemployment, food insecurity, lack of access to quality education, lack of affordable housing and
homelessness, and environmental injustice are among those.
- Summer Break
- May 16 - 22 , 2027
- Bethlehem Farm invites volunteers to be part of their mission and home as they teach about environmental
sustainability and care for creation in Alderson, WV! By living out the Gospel cornerstones of prayer,
simplicity, service and community each day of their lives, they offer volunteers not just the opportunity for
service, but the opportunity to experience another way of life.
- Spring Break
- February 28 - March 5 , 2027
- Students will experience urban ministry and service in Pennsylvania’s capital city through the Center for
Student Missions (CSM). Located along the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg offers opportunities to engage with
diverse communities and learn about the challenges facing an urban community. Through hands-on service
with local organizations, participants will build relationships, explore issues affecting the city, and reflect on how faith and service can inspire community change.
- Summer Break
- May 10 - 16, 2027
- The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters welcome students into their ministry and community in Los Tres Brazos,
Dominican Republic. Through this international service immersion, students will experience the Sisters’
commitment to education, faith formation, and compassionate care for their neighbors. Participants will
support the Sisters’ school by teaching elementary students and adult learners, facilitate a Vacation Bible
School program for adolescents, and spend time with community members.
Questions?
Please contact the Holleran Center at Holleran.center@alvernia.edu or 610-790-1925.