myCSUSM
ASI Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
ASI Cougar Pantry Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 10:00am - 6:30pm
Wednesday-Thursday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: Closed
Alternative Spring Break
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is an opportunity for CSUSM students volunteer their week of Spring Break to work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. 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 excursions to explore the area in which they are visiting. This trip is substance free, adding to the "alternative" part of Spring Break.
The Alternative Spring Break program was established in the Spring of 2003 by Lawrence Bolton, a Professional Staff member at the time. He recommended the program after being inspired by similar initiatives at other 23 California State University colleges. The inaugural program involved volunteer work in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, where participants provided meals for those facing housing insecurity
ASB Info Sessions:
Alternative Spring Break Presentation
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
2027 Location - Lowell, Massachusetts
Guidelines
Interested to learn more about our operations of ASI's Alternative Spring Break work
and how we make it happen? Click below!
Click here to view our Guidelines
Volunteer Application
Applications are now open and close October 20th at 11:45pm.
Apply Today
Additional Application Information
Applicants who are chosen will be required to make a $150 deposit to reserve their spot. (Does not include Eventbrite fees)
In order to qualify for an interview, the applicant must have a cumulative and semester GPA of a 2.0 or higher and be in good standing with the CSUSM Dean of Students office
Participant Expectations & Physical Requirements
Alternative Spring Break trips often involve hands-on service activities and may require participants to be physically active throughout the day. Depending on the trip and service site, activities may include walking or standing for extended periods, lifting or carrying materials, bending, reaching, working outdoors, or navigating uneven terrain.
Participants should be prepared to safely and comfortably engage in the physical activities associated with their specific service project. Physical demands vary by trip and service site, and accommodations may be available depending on the nature of the activity.
If you have questions about the physical requirements of a particular trip or would like to discuss potential accommodations, please contact the Alternative Spring Break team before registering. We are happy to help you determine whether a trip is a good fit for your needs and identify ways to support your participation. Here is some information about the typical physical requirements during the trip:
| Physical Task | Percentage of Time | Specific Duties & Requirements |
| Standing/Walking/Bending | 75% – 100% | Walking/standing on active construction sites and during excursions. Bending down to work on lower sections of houses and structures. |
| Seeing / Vision | 75% – 100% | Operating power tools, identifying hazards, and safely navigating around coworkers and heavy materials. |
| Climbing / Terrain | 50% – 75% | Using ladders, stairs, and scaffolding. Walking on uneven terrain, including uphill and downhill paths during excursions. |
| Lifting / Pulling / Pushing | 50% – 74% | Lifting and moving heavy boxes and construction materials. Pushing/pulling material carts. Performing yard work using shovels and garden tools. |
| Use of Hands / Arms | 50% – 74% | Operating power tools, saws, and hammers. Pulling/lifting body weight onto roofs or scaffolding. Carrying boxes and supplies. |
| Hearing | 50% – 74% | Monitoring site environment, listening for power tools, approaching vehicles, verbal safety commands, and evacuation alerts. |
Additional Job Requirements
Transportation & Mobility Constraints
- Vehicle Type: Transportation is provided in 7-passenger vans.
- ADA Accommodation Note: Vehicles are unable to accommodate mobility devices such as wheelchairs or seated scooters.
Past Trips
Living Lands and Waters
- 2016 – Memphis, TN
Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge
- 2026 - Tacoma, WA
- 2025 - Loveland, CO
- 2024 - Bel Air, MD
- 2023 - Tacoma, WA
- 2020 - Vail, CO - Cancelled
- 2019 - Tacoma, WA
- 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