Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a trip during which CSUSM students volunteer their week of Spring Break to work with a community service agency. During this week, students travel to a location outside of San Diego County and help with various duties where needed. These students also take part in numerous activities to explore the area in which they are visiting. This trip is substance free, adding to the "alternative" part of Spring Break. Although students fundraise a small amount for their participation fee, ASI covers the majority of the costs for the trip.

Alternative Summer Break 2021

This year ASI will be encouraging students to volunteer in their community through Alternative Summer Break! Alternative Summer Break is an event that you can do from anywhere! This week long event gives students the opportunity to volunteer at their own pace within their community. Students will receive a clean up kit to pick up trash and a free Alternative Summer Break T-shirt after submitting their volunteer hours.

Volunteer Submission Form 

Thank you for participating in Alternative Summer Break and making a difference in your community! Submit your volunteer hours through the Volunteer Submition Form between May 23rd and May 29, 2021.

Alternative Spring Break

We will update csusm students when in-person Alternative Spring Break returns. 

Application Information

Application Process

Once applications are received, applicants will then be invited to a group interview the week of October 21st. Applicants still in the applicant pool will then be contacted to schedule an individual interview the week of October 28th.
We will notify final round applications of their status in early November.
If you are selected to attend the trip, you will be required to attend mandatory team meetings.

All participants must be in good standing with the CSUSM Dean of Students and must have a 2.0 GPA

FEE INFORMATION

Alternative Spring Break does require a financial contribution from participants.
Total Trip Cost: $50 deposit + $350 balance = Total: $400

Fee Deadlines:

• December 9, 2019: $50 non-refundable deposit
• December 31, 2019*: $350 remaining balance

*Subject to change based on airline deposit

Any participant that does not submit the balance of the total fee by the due date and who has not made previous arrangements will be dropped from the trip without a refund.

The $400 fee covers registration with Habitat for Humanity, housing, travel, and food.

Student Experiences:

ASB is one of the most impacting experiences that I've come across throughout my three years here at CSUSM. If you enjoy volunteering and doing good for the world around you, and the people, then you'll love ASB! -Hannah Hawker, Junior

If you're looking to give back to the community in a unique way, ASB is an option for you then as you feel great about what you've done and knowing you have helped a family who can't own a home own one and a beautiful one at that. -Steven Aguilar, Freshman

ASB is the best way to spend spring break. Being able to help people in need is one of the most amazing feelings and ASB does that in a fun and memorable way. When we were not working, we were explore Washington D.C. and making strong friendships. Going on Alternative Spring Break is an opportunity you don't want to miss! -Veronique Fisher, Sophomore 

Past Trips

Living Lands and Waters 

• 2016 – Memphis, TN

Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge

• 2020 - Vail, CO
• 2019 - Tacoma, WA
  • Photos | Video
• 2018 - New Castle County, DE
• 2017 - Tacoma, WA
• 2015 – Oklahoma City, OK
• 2014 – Washington, D.C.
• 2013 – Washington, D.C.
• 2012 – Washington, D.C.
• 2011 – Washington, D.C.
• 2010 – New Orleans, LA
• 2009 – Cleveland, OH
• 2008 – New Orleans, LA
• 2007 – New Orleans, LA
• 2006 – Oakland, CA

GLIDE Organization

• 2005 – San Francisco, CA
• 2004 – San Francisco, CA