UM-Flint Students Embark on Alternative Spring Break

More than a hundred University of Michigan-Flint students are giving up a visit to a spring break "hotspot" to volunteer at one of ten Flint area community organizations. The students are joining with thousands of college students across the country participating in Alternative Spring Break.

Alternative Spring Break is a University Outreach sponsored program that offers a service learning experience on a local community level during the academic calendar's traditional Spring Break week. Students spend time learning about complex social, cultural, and environmental issues. During the week, groups carpool to a selected site to engage in meaningful action toward a greater understanding of root causes of relevant issues.

Students work in a variety of areas; including restoring abandoned homes, working with shelter animals, preparing food for the needy, tutoring youngsters, and helping new organizations get off the ground.

Last year, 69 students participated for a combined total of 211 service days. At 5 hours per day, the students donated approximately 1,055 hours throughout the week.