Wake Alternative Break - Office of Civic and Community Engagement

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Wake Alternative Break (WAB) is a week-long alternative spring break program for Wake Forest University undergraduate students. Students will depart for their trips beginning March 7, 2020 and return no later than March 15, 2020.

By participating in Wake Alternative Break, students have the opportunity to visit cities within driving distance from Winston-Salem, and provide direct-service while visiting. WAB seeks to facilitate service, build community among participants, encourage experiential learning around a social issue, and inspire participants to return back to campus motivatd to positively impact not only their university, but their local, national, and international communities.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once registration is closed, participants meet with their Wake Alternative Break trip leaders to prepare for their trips.

Wake Alternative Break Trip locations for 2020 are: Atlanta, Ga., Chicago, Ill., Johnston City, Tenn., New Orleans, La., Otway, Ohio, and Shenandoah Valley, Va.

Be A Trip Leader

Leaders are responsible for recruiting participants, facilitating pre-service orientation, managing daily reflections, and handling trip logistics.

Lead a WAB Trip

Be A WAB Participant

All students must apply to participate. Applications are open until February 7, 2020, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participate in WAB

Dates

Wake Alternative Break will run from Saturday, March 7, 2020 through Sunday, March 15, 2020. Departure and return dates will vary from trip to trip.

Cost

It is $350 to attend a trip. Leaders attend at a reduced rate of $175. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance to the program and counts toward the total cost.

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More Information

Do you have questions about Wake Alternative Break, what it takes to be a trip leader, or are looking for more details about specific trips? Please contact Deb Marke.

2020 Wake Alternative Break Locations

Atlanta, Ga. | Animal Advocacy

Furkids is the largest no-kill animal shelter in the state of Georgia. Their mission: to rescue homeless animals, provide them with the best possible medical care, and support them in a nurturing environment while working to find their forever homes. Students will work alongside Furkids staff to renovate their new shelter location, organize and renovate the thrift store, exercise and care for the dogs/puppies, and socialize the cats/kittens.
Chicago, Ill. | Latinx Community Services

Casa Central is the largest Hispanic social service agency in the Midwest. Since 1954, Casa Central has delivered evidence-based, award-winning programming in response to the needs of the Hispanic Community. Students will volunteer with elementary and middle school students at Casa Central, where they’ll be helping with tutoring, preparing meals for students, and learning about the needs of the Latinx Community in Chicago.
Johnson City, Tenn. | Housing

The Appalachia Service Project seeks to eradicate substandard housing in Central Appalachia.Students will perform construction projects with a family in need of critical home repair. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about Appalachia communities and how they can be a part of a long term effort to eradicate substandard housing.
New Orleans, La. | Disaster Relief

United Saints Recovery Project is a grassroots, volunteer-based nonprofit working to restore and strengthen communities affected by natural disasters. Students will assist with rebuilding homes and engaging homeowners, while also reflecting on the national and local response to Hurricane Katrina through the lens of race, class, and social justice.
Otway, Ohio | Sustainable Agriculture

Hurricane Run Farm is a small farm in an isolated valley near Shawnee State Forest that produces a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, jams, jellies, baked goods, and granola. Students will volunteer on the Farm, and learn about the importance of sustainable farming.
Shenandoah Valley, Va. | Mindfulness & Environmental Conservation

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia. Home to a rich Appalachia natural history and known for its conservation efforts, students will work alongside park rangers in their conservation efforts, engaging largely with climate change and environmental conservation.

Wake Alternative Break - Shenandoah Valley

Wake Alternative Break 101

There is a $350.00 participation fee that covers all program activities, transportation, and food for participants.
Due to the responsibility that comes with being a WAB trip leader, leaders participate at a reduced rate of $175 per trip.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance to the program, and counts toward the cost of the trip.
Participant and leader fees can be paid online, via check, or with cash.
Checks should be made out to Wake Forest University with the student’s name and trip listed in the memo, and turned into the OCCE
The OCCE is happy to assist students who need financial assistance by connecting them with available scholarship opportunities.