Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks is an opportunity for K-State students to participate in an intensive service experience during a winter, spring, or weekend break. Travel to sites around the midwest to work with local residents and learn how communities are addressing pressing social issues. Breaks are open to all K-State undergraduate, graduate, and international students.

Upcoming Break

• La Harpe, Kansas | Thrive Allen County
• Saturday, Nov. 1

Partner with Thrive Allen County to support ongoing community-led efforts that support their mission of enhancing well-being for all community members. Immerse yourself in the heart of rural Kansas, and work alongside dedicated community members to make a tangible difference through cleanup activities.

By joining this alternative break, you will play an important role in strengthening the fabric of a rural community facing demographic challenges such as a low and aging population.

Your involvement will not only support immediate community needs but also foster personal growth and connection with a wonderful community.

• Depart Manhattan at 5:30 a.m.
• Cleanup in Allen County
• Return to Manhattan at 6 p.m.

Transportation, meals and a T-shirt will be provided.

 

Strengthen your leadership skills

Alternative breakers learn through service. You will be challenged to prepare, act, reflect, and evaluate your service experience. This approach to service is more than volunteering, it allows you to better understand community impact and builds your personal leadership practice.

Fees and scholarships

The participant fee covers transportation via Enterprise Rentals, a grocery/food stipend and housing. Participants and site leaders are eligible for full or partial scholarships to cover the cost of their Alternative Break experience.

Week breaks

• Site Leaders: $125 total ($50 non-refundable + $75)
• Participants: $250 total ($50 non-refundable + $200)

Weekend breaks

• Cost is $10, participants will attend one team meeting prior to service experience.

Requirements

For site leaders

• Complete the application.
• Attend three hours of site leader trainings and one hour of one-on-one preparation with your co-site leader prior to your Alternative Break experience.
• Facilitate one pre-trip meeting with your Alternative Break Team.
• Work alongside staff to facilitate Active Citizen Summit activities with your team.
• Guide your team through daily reflections during the break. ​
• Provide logistical support for your team before and during break (transportation and purchasing).

For participants

• Complete the application.
• Attend Active Citizen Summit, one team meeting prior to break, and Active Citizen Summit Part II and be an engaged participant during all interactions.

About Our Locations

 

K-State is a member of Break Away. Break Away's mission is to train, assist and connect campuses and communities in promoting quality alternative break programs that inspire lifelong active citizenship.