What is an alternative service break (ASB)?

An Alternative Service Break (ASB) is an approximately week-long (five to seven days) service trip placing teams of students, staff and faculty in communities to engage in community service and experiential learning.

During the 2009-10 academic year, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) students have:

• Provided childcare for homeless and low-income children (six months to six years of age) at Outward Boundaries in Kansas City
• Built a home with Habitat for Humanity in Denver, Colorado
• Assisted in finishing a homeless shelter at Haven for Hope and assisted in outreach efforts at Family Violence Prevention Services both in San Antonio, Texas
• Brought Service to Lincoln, Nebraska during fall break serving in three area non-profits and visited historical and informational sites in Lincoln

Where are we going? Who selects sites and how are they determined?

Each trip is selected using the SERVE Model. The first step is to determine the social issues that impassion UNL students. Second is to find a location that is attractive to students. Third and most important is to find a community partner who matches the student interests and who has volunteer needs, preferably providing direct service. The community partner must be able to provide a safe, healthy, educational service experience. In return, we must be able to provide a minimum of three to five days of professional, respectful and sincere service.

Here are the upcoming trips:

Fall Break 2010: Bring it back to Lincoln, October 16-19, 2010, Lincoln, Nebraska

Winter Break 2011: Hurricane Katrina 5 years later, January 1-9, 2011, Louisanna

Spring Break 2011: Service Road Trip, March 19-24, 2011, Cities will vary

May Break 2011: Ecology of the Grand Canyon, May 8-18, 2011, North Rim of the Grand Canyon

For more information: