Alternative Breaks | SUNY Oswego

What are Alternative Breaks?

Alternative Breaks are week-long, immersive service trips that allow students to travel domestically and internationally while providing meaningful service to a variety of nonprofits working to alleviate different social issues intertwining social justice into the programs.

Check out our 2025 Alternative Break Programs!

Alternative Breaks 2025

Nazareth Farm, West Virginia

Nazareth Farm is an organization located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia. Their mission is to serve their community through low-income housing repairs and to build a warm and welcoming community on the farm.

This trip will take place from January 5-11, 2025 and transportation will be provided.

Spots are limited! If you are interested, please contact the Newman Club & Newman Center by emailing: [email protected]

American Hiking Society, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, PA

The refuge is a treasured 1,000-acre green space nestled within the city of Philadelphia, teeming with a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants native to the Delaware Estuary. The refuge supports multiple habitats, including a freshwater tidal marsh, open waters, mudflats, and woodlands that the hundreds of species call home.

Project Description: Crew Members will work together in teams to complete conservation and maintenance projects around the wildlife refuge, including improvements to hiking trails. This will mostly be light to moderate manual labor trimming back seasonal trail growth, litter removal, assisting in operating a wood chipper, using light hand tools. All tool use will be supervised and instructed by refugee staff.

Spots are limited for this Alternative Break, for more information please email: [email protected]

Staycation, Oswego, NY

Staying in Oswego for Spring Break? Looking to make a difference in the community?

Staycation is the Alternative Break for you!

Partner with local community partners throughout the week
Each day of day(s) of work focusing on different needs of our community

For more information please email: [email protected]

Alternative Breaks FAQs

How do I apply for an Alternative Break program?

Alternative Break Program Applications for Spring 2025 will be opening towards the end of the Fall 2024 semester.

The applications will remain open until February 9th, 2025 or until they are filled.

*Please note: If you are interested in attending the Winter Alternative Break to Nazareth Farm Trip, please reach out directly to reach out to [email protected] for more information as soon as possible.

What is the program commitment?

Each program includes 2 pre-trip meetings intended to be used for training, discussion, and preparation with your Alternative Break program group. As with in-person experiences, pre-departure is in preparation for an immersive and short term engagement with community partners that work in the specific theme or social justice issue of the program.

All programs and students work with their group to implement a service, advocacy, or activism project to share their learnings with our broader community post-trip.

Who is eligible to participate in Alternative Break Programs?

Any full time undergraduate or graduate student that wants to learn more about domestic and global issues through community development, civic engagement, leadership, and service.

How will I benefit from participating?

You will be given the opportunity to connect with a community of peers from across campus and create new friendships and colleagues.
These trips will also help you develop and practice personal and group leaderships skills such as active listening, reflection, critical thinking, communication, as well as civic engagement through in-person service.

What should I expect on the trip?

Active engagement in personal reflection, listening, small group dialogue, and small group activities.
Thought-provoking questions and dialogue around social issues.
Making connections between social issues and your academic, personal, professional, or civic life.
Learning directly from community leaders and partners.
Engaging in direct service alongside community leaders and partners.
Participating in meaningful reflections to understand the impacts of community service on social justice.
Identifying at least one action step to take towards a social issue you are passionate about in your home community.

If I live on campus do I have to pay for break housing to stay in my dorm?

Students attending Alternative Spring Breaks do not have to pay a Break Housing Fee.

Break Housing cost is included in the students residential fee, you will not be charged additional fees for Spring Breaks.

However, you are responsible for setting up your room access with Residence Life and Housing and should contact them with questions, please reach out to Residence Life and Housing.

How much do Alternative Break programs cost?

Cost depends on the distance and length of time of the direct engagement component of the program. Programs may range from $250-$400.

Program prices normally include transportation, food, lodging, and all activities.

Is financial assistance available?

Please reach out to: [email protected] to learn more about potential financial assistance options and availability.

Why are Alternative Breaks substance free?

Alternative Breaks were founded as an alternative to the typical spring break experience. We believe the use of substances takes away from our goal of being fully present and engaged in our program activities.

Can students with disabilities go on Alternative Breaks?

The Alternative Break program makes every effort to ensure that students with disabilities can participate successfully in Alternative Break programs.

Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that facilities or support services will be available at each location in the same range and quality as on SUNY Oswego's campus.

We encourage students with disabilities to meet with staff at Accessibility Resources to discuss accommodation needs and identify appropriate sites.