Kent State University's Alternative Break trips include direct service, community engagement and reflection within a social justice framework. The purpose is to engage students in critical reflection and provide a larger context for society's complex problems and solutions so that students grow as engaged citizens dedicated to positive social change.
Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is looking for trip leaders to lead our Alternative Spring Break experiences listed below:
May 1970, Student-Led Collective Action, and the Civil Rights Movement
Jackson, Mississippi: Saturday, March 8th-Thursday, March 13th, 2025
Participants will examine the city's extensive role in the Civil Rights Movement, compare the root causes of the Jackson State shooting in May 1970 with the May 4th tragedy, study examples of student-led collective action and the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project, and learn about contemporary challenges affecting the city.
Strengthening Ohio Urban Communities
Youngstown, Ohio: Monday, March 10th, 2025
Participants will participate in a one-day service experience, working alongside the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, Ohio, exploring different causes at different sites around the Youngstown area. The Ursuline Sisters' mission is to provide leadership and support in the Youngstown area by offering housing, food, healthcare, education, wellness, spirituality, advocacy, prayer and presence.
Leaders responsibilities include the following:
- Leading a group of 11-12 students in educational, service, and cultural activities.
- Facilitating thoughtful and intentional reflection sessions.
- Exploring social justice issues in partnership with host organizations.
- Ensuring that university and programmatic policies and procedures are followed.
- Receiving a cash advance from the University to use throughout the program (if a faculty or staff member)
- May include driving a seven-passenger mini-van.
In addition to the program commitments above, Alternative Break leadership also includes the following time commitments before and after Spring Break:
- Attend pre-trip training on serving as a leader and implementing emergency protocol when needed (tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
- Assist in the facilitation of the “Pre-Trip Departure Meeting” (tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 27th, 2025 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.) and "Post-Trip Meeting" for your program
- Assist in a portion of the itinerary planning of your program, including meeting with CEL staff and your leadership team.
Leaders will be selected by CEL Staff. Applicants may be asked to attend a brief meeting during the selection process.