For the 2025-2026 academic year, we have 11 Alternative Break programs offered, all of which are listed down below with information on the location and theme the alternative break service. Before applying to be a participant on an Alternative Break, we highly recommend reviewing Components of an Alternative Breaks, our Program Values, and checking out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
The participant cost listed for each program includes housing, transportation, and food. We seek to make the participant costs as affordable as possible for all applicants. Participants that are selected for a program will receive a form to apply for financial support if needed.
Thank you to UConn Storrs USG (Undergraduate Student Government) for their financial support to help significantly reduce costs for our UConn Storrs undergraduate participants. For regional campus students, we are working with regional campuses to try and make fees comparable to UConn Storrs students. Please reach out to uconn.co.altbreaks@gmail.com about estimated costs.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us: uconn.co.altbreaks@gmail.com.
We are excited to roll out below our Alternative Breaks Trips this year (more info below)
Fill out Winter Break Application here: Application Deadline is Thursday September 18, 2025.
Fill out Spring Break Application here: Application Deadline is Tuesday September 30, 2025.
Weekend Alternative Breaks Application: Application will open week of September 22, 2025
Winter Alternative Breaks
Costa Rica
Los, Jasmines, Costa Rica
Through this 8 day service-learning experience, participants will work alongside local community members to support local infrastructure projects and community initiatives. Participants will engage in education and reflection focused on topics such as community development, and sustainability. By the end of their experience, participants will develop skills to be more engaged in their communities.
Theme: Rural Community Development
Dates: January 9- January 16, 2026
UConn Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $760
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
During this 8 day service-learning immersive experience, participants will develop meaningful relationships with community members and work closely alongside the community members to support local community initiatives
Participants will engage in immersion, education and reflection focused on topics such as housing security, sustainability, food security, and more. We will also look deeper into Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States. By the end of their experience, participants will develop skills to be more engaged in their communities.
Theme: Community Sustainability
Dates: January 9-16, 2026
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $780
Spring Break Alternative Breaks
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
This weeklong service-learning alternative break will serve and learn about the multiple factors that determine individuals' health. Service will include will work with different local nonprofits focused on different health factors.
Note: This is not a clinical experience opportunity. Participants will not work directly with patients in health support roles.
Theme: Determinants of Health
Dates: March 15-21, 2026
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $150
Cosby, TN (Appalachia)
Cosby, TN (Appalachia)
Over this week-long service learning experience, participants will immerse themselves and learn about the Appalachia region and culture. They will also dig deeper into the complexities of access to resources in a rural community, serving with the organization Sunset Gap to support ongoing community initiatives.
Participants will also look deeper into multiple aspects of Appalachia and rural life. Through their service, participants will create tangible connections with community members and will continue to develop as community collaborators.
Theme: Appalachia and Rural Life
Dates: March 15-21, 2026
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $375
Appalachia Alternative Break Informational Slides and Informational Video
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
During this service-learning immersive experience, students will foster our long-standing relationship with the Cherokee Nation and as they engage in meaningful interactions, they will gain insights into the profound significance of Cherokee Nation culture, awareness and history while supporting community projects for some local community members.
Theme: Cherokee Nation and Rural Life
Dates: March 15- 21, 2026
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $360
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
During this service-learning experience, participants will learn and work with service health focused organizations to support various health factors. Through their work with healthcare-related organizations (community partner examples: focus on disability, cancer, etc.) participants will learn about health structures and develop skills that allow them to be more engaged in their careers and communities.
Note: This is not a clinical experience opportunity. Participants will not work directly with patients in health support roles.
Theme: Healthcare
Dates: March 15-21, 2026
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $160
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Through this immersive service-learning experience, participants will explore the complex social, economic, and historical factors shaping urban neighborhoods. Working alongside community organizations, students will engage directly with local leaders working to address issues such as housing, education, food systems, and neighborhood well-being. By contributing to ongoing community efforts, participants will develop practical skills and deepen their understanding of both the strengths and challenges facing urban communities. This experience will encourage reflection on the systems impacting city life and equip students with tools to actively interact more closely in their own communities.
Theme: Urban Community Development
Dates: March 15-21, 2026
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $180
Weekend Alternative Breaks
Groton, CT
Groton, CT
During this weekend service-learning immersive experience participants will learn more about environmental conservation and ways and tangible ways to combat environmental challenges. Past projects included beach cleanups, invasive species cleanups, etc. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of ecosystems, environmental issues, and sustainable practices.
Theme: Environmental Conservation
Dates: TBD
Participant Cost: $30
Informational slides are Coming Soon! (Week of September 22).
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, MA
This weekend service-learning immersion trip will be focused on housing security and the impact it has on the individuals within and around the community. Through service at establishments such as homeless shelters and soup kitchens, participants will be able to learn about the intricacies of housing insecurity and how to support individuals affected by this issue.
Theme: Housing Security
Date: April TBD
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $45
Informational slides are Coming Soon! (Week of September 22).
New Haven, CT
Food Systems
During this weekend service-learning experience, participants will seek to understand food systems and their intersections with poverty. Through working with establishments such as homeless shelters, food pantries, and farms, participants will support communities with local community initiatives aimed to address food insecurity, learn strategies to support and address food insecurity.
Theme: Food Systems
Dates: April TBD
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $50
Informational slides are Coming Soon! (Week of September 22).
New York City
New York City
During this weekend service-learning experience, participants will learn and work with service health focused organizations to support various health factors. Through their work with healthcare-related organizations participants will learn about health structures and develop skills that allow them to be more engaged in their careers and communities.
Note: This is not a clinical experience opportunity. Participants will not work directly with patients in health support roles.
Theme: Healthcare
Dates: April TBD
Storrs Undergrad Participant Cost: $60
Informational slides are Coming Soon! (Week of September 22).