Question 1

How much does an alternative break cost?

Accepted Answer

The fee for an alternative break is $295. Please note there are scholarships available to help pay this fee, if needed. This payment is towards gas, groceries, and participant cost. You will be expected to cover any excursions you choose partake in, and any restaurant/fast food experiences.

Question 2

How do I prepare for an alternative break trip?

Accepted Answer

Education has always been a fundamental component of how AB operates and differentiates its service from other organizations with similar goals or objectives. Part of the education is helping participants prepare for their break. This has the main effect of giving service in a more productive, ethical way, while also instilling the AB participants to hopefully try and lead a life full of service and community engagement.

Education consists of: Service 101, Guest Speakers and Site Leader Training all completed through 4-5 classes.

Question 3

What are the trips like?

Accepted Answer

During winter and spring breaks at KU, students in groups of six or more travel to locations across the country for a week of service. Each group volunteers with a non-profit organization that addresses a specific issue; previous topics include environmentalism, education, food accessibility, sustainability housing crisis, aging, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, and disaster relief.

Our volunteers are open to supporting organizations in a wide range of capacities, including groundskeeping, clerical tasks, and other projects where an extra pair of hands can be helpful.  Ideally, we aim to have enough work planned to keep students engaged each day of their break, with one day reserved for rest or exploration of the surrounding area.

Question 4

Where do breakers sleep?

Accepted Answer

In community spaces and churches, students usually set up sleeping cots and bags in preparation for downtime and sleep. In these areas, students will engage in natural reflection of the service they are engaging with, play card games, share stories, and grow close. In the pre-trip classes, breakers will have created a meal plan and during the trips they will work together to cook and clean up shared meals. Often breakers leave trips, having learned a new card game, and having gained new friends.

Question 5

What is KU alternative breaks?

Accepted Answer

Alternative Breaks is a student-run service learning organization operated by a group of undergraduate students at the University of Kansas. Our mission is to provide students with hands-on, ethical service learning and volunteer opportunities in the community, as well as across the nation. As one of the most prominent service learning initiatives at KU, we provide annual volunteer trips for students, serving various volunteer organizations. We provide a KU class component for our week-long winter and spring programs, where students research topics such as identities & privilege, active citizenship, ethical volunteering, and other facets of volunteerism.

KU Alternative Breaks

KU Alternative Breaks provides immersive volunteer experiences that educate students and foster a lifelong commitment to service.

Apply for the Winter 2026 Break!

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