Applications are now open for the spring 2025 alternative breaks at Elon University.
For over two decades, Elon University’s Kernodle Center for Civic Life has been taking students on alternative breaks during the fall and spring breaks.
“Alternative breaks are a great way for Elon students to engage in meaningful service in a new community while building relationships with fellow students,” said Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center. “Throughout the experience, students have the opportunity to meet folks from incredible non-profit organizations who are working every day to make their communities better.”
During the 2024 fall break, students Maya Waskiewicz and Ashanti Horton led the fall alternative break to Charlotte North Carolina where they worked closely with organizations working to combat homelessness in the area. They worked with three non-profit service projects, Charlotte Family Housing, Furnish for Good and Bed for Kids, where they assisted in many tasks like making “snack bags,” cleaning and moving furniture to donate and putting together bed frames for families in need of furniture.
“It is easy to get stuck in the Elon Bubble, but after participating in four alternative breaks, each dealing with a different social issue, I have learned more about what service means to me and how to actively participate in my and surrounding communities,” said Waskiewicz. “I am so grateful for the alternative breaks I was able to participate in as they truly gave me a new perspective on service and social issues. alternative breaks offer real, direct, meaningful service opportunities and also are an excellent way to meet people at Elon that you may have never met otherwise.”
Alternative breaks run every fall and spring break. Applications are open for Spring 2025 experiences. There are four alternative breaks this spring to Costa Rica, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia.