Fall Breaks 2026
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The Food and Hunger Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to food security in the United States through educational and experiential opportunities in the Seattle region. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants examine food systems and the policies and practices that determine who does and does not have access to quality food. This Alternative Break emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of food and hunger and are encouraged to consider how each individual can responsibly apply their learning within their own communities beyond the experience.
Cost: $585.00
Dates: Sunday, Oct. 11th to Saturday, Oct. 17th -
The Immigration Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to immigration in the United States through educational and experiential opportunities in the San Diego region. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants examine immigration systems, border dynamics, and the policies and practices that shape immigrant experiences. This Alternative Break emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of immigration and are encouraged to consider how each individual can responsibly apply their learning within their own communities beyond the experience.
Cost: $585
Dates: Sunday, Oct. 11th to Saturday, Oct. 17th -
The Disability Advocacy Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to disability in the United States through educational and experiential opportunities in the Denver region. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants examine the world through the lens of disability and the policies and practices that shape the experienced of disabled folks. This Alternative Break emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of the experiences of disabled people and are encouraged to consider how each individual can responsibly apply their learning within their own communities beyond the experience.
Cost: $585.00
Dates: Sunday, Oct. 11th to Saturday, Oct. 17th -
The Queer Advocacy Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to queer folks in the United States through educational and experiential opportunities in the San Francisco region. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants examine queer culture and history, and the policies and practices that shape queer experiences. This Alternative Break emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of queer experiences and are encouraged to consider how each individual can responsibly apply their learning within their own communities beyond the experience.
Cost: $585.00
Dates: Sunday, Oct. 11th to Saturday, Oct. 17th -
The Mass Incarceration Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to incarceration in the United States through educational and experiential opportunities in the Oakland region. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants examine the carceral system, reentry, and the policies and practices that shape the experiences of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. This Alternative Break emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of incarceration and are encouraged to consider how each individual can responsibly apply their learning within their own communities beyond the experience.
Cost: $585.00
Dates: Sunday, Oct. 11th to Saturday, Oct. 17th -
The River Conservation Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to water conservation in the United States through educational and experiential opportunities in the Boise region. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants examine river and water conservation and the policies and practices that shape conservation work in the intermountain West. This Alternative Break emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of river conservation and are encouraged to consider how each individual can responsibly apply their learning within their own communities beyond the experience.
Cost: $585.00
Dates: Sunday, Oct. 11th to Saturday, Oct. 17th -
5-Day Break
The Community Land Stewardship Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to the practices of community land stewardship and protection in the Moab area. Through reciprocal partnerships with local community partners, participants learn about strategies for studying and protecting natural lands in southern Utah. This experience emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their roles and responsibilities while developing a sustained commitment to informed, community-responsive advocacy beyond this Alternative Break. This Alternative Break incorporates several nights of camping at the Bonderman Field Station to work with University of Utah field researchers.
Cost: $400.00
Dates: Monday, Oct. 12th to Friday, Oct. 16th -
Weekend Break
The Animal Advocacy Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to the treatment of animals, animal rights, and the natural world in the Park City area. Through reciprocal partnerships with local community partners, participants learn about the animal fostering and adoption process as well as the challenges to animal rights and humane treatment. This experience emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their roles and responsibilities while developing a sustained commitment to informed, community-responsive advocacy beyond this Alternative Break.
Cost: $175.00
Dates: Friday, Oct. 9th to Sunday, Oct. 11th
Spring Breaks 2027
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The Urban Environmentalism Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts to explore the relationship between urban development and environmental sustainability. Through reciprocal partnerships with community organizations in Portland, participants examine how urban growth shapes environmental challenges related to sustainability, urban planning, and access to healthy environments. This Alternative Break integrates education, hands-on engagement, and critical reflection to consider how cities can coexist responsibly with natural ecosystems. Students are encouraged to reflect on their roles within urban systems and how their learning can inform more sustainable and community-responsive approaches to urban living beyond their Alternative Break.
Cost: $585
Dates: Sunday, Mar. 7th to Saturday, Mar. 13th -
The Borders & Belonging Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to borders in the United States through educational and experiential opportunities in the Albuquerque region. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants examine border dynamics, native sovereignty, and the policies and practices that shape belonging. This Alternative Break emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of borders and belonging and are encouraged to consider how each individual can responsibly apply their learning within their own communities beyond the experience.
Cost: $585
Dates: Sunday, Mar. 7th to Saturday, Mar. 13th -
The Educational Policy Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts to examine the systems that shape educational access and quality in the United States, with a particular focus on the Los Angeles area. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations and community educators, participants explore how funding structures, institutional practices, and policy decisions influence educational experiences. This Alternative Break emphasizes ethical engagement, critical reflection, and respect for community knowledge through preparation, action, and reflection. Students are encouraged to challenge assumptions, better understand the root causes of educational disparities, and consider community-informed approaches to supporting strong and equitable educational systems beyond the Alternative Break.
Cost: $585
Dates: Sunday, Mar. 7th to Saturday, Mar. 13th -
The Shelter & Housing Security Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts to examine housing security in the United States, with a particular focus on the Seattle area. Through reciprocal partnerships with local organizations, participants explore the social, economic, and systemic factors that influence access to stable and secure housing. This Alternative Break emphasizes ethical engagement, critical self-reflection, and respect for community expertise. Students are encouraged to consider community-informed approaches that support housing security and to reflect on how their learning can inform future pathways in housing-related policy, advocacy, and engagement beyond their Alternative Break.
Cost: $585
Dates: Sunday, Mar. 7th to Saturday, Mar. 13th -
The Marine Conservation Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts to understand the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. Through reciprocal partnerships with local community partners in the San Diego area, participants examine the impacts of waste, human behavior, and policy on marine ecosystems and coastal environments. This Alternative Break integrates education, hands-on engagement, and critical reflection to explore the evolving relationship between humans and the natural world. Students are encouraged to consider their responsibilities within interconnected ecological systems and how their learning can inform environmental stewardship beyond their Alternative Break.
Cost: $585
Dates: Sunday, Mar. 7th to Saturday, Mar. 13th -
(You must be 18 or over to participate in this break)
The Sex & Healthy Relationships Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts to explore complex topics related to sexual health, interpersonal safety, and survivor support. Through reciprocal partnerships with local community partners, participants learn about sexual violence prevention, human trafficking awareness, interpersonal violence, sex work, and survivor-centered advocacy. This Alternative Break emphasizes ethical engagement, consent, and care through preparation, action, and reflection, creating a supportive space for learning and dialogue. Students are encouraged to reflect on personal boundaries, healthy relationships for all communities, and how their learning can inform responsible community engagement and advocacy beyond their Alternative Break.Cost: $585
Dates: Sunday, Mar. 7th to Saturday, Mar. 13th -
5-Day Break
The Community Health Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts to understand the factors that shape health outcomes at the community level. Through reciprocal partnerships with community partners in Ogden and Weber County, participants explore how social determinants of health—such as income, education, housing, and access to healthcare—impact the well-being of entire neighborhoods. This Alternative Break emphasizes ethical engagement, critical reflection, and respect for community expertise through preparation, action, and reflection. Students learn about community-driven initiatives and collective approaches to building healthier, more resilient communities, and are encouraged to consider how their learning can support long-term community health beyond the Alternative Break.Cost: $400
Dates: Monday, Mar. 8th to Friday, Mar. 12th -
Weekend Break
The Refugee Rights & Resettlement Alternative Break engages University of Utah students in community-identified efforts related to refugee resettlement in the Salt Lake City area. Through reciprocal partnerships with local community partners, participants learn about the resettlement process, existing systems of support, and the structural challenges that impact refugee communities as they establish new lives in the United States. This experience emphasizes mutual learning, ethical engagement, and respect for community expertise. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their roles and responsibilities while developing a sustained commitment to informed, community-responsive advocacy beyond this Alternative Break.Cost: $175
Dates: Friday, Mar. 5th to Sunday, Mar. 7th
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STEP 1: APPLY
You must apply to participate in the Alternative Breaks program. Applicants should expect to articulate why they want to go on a break and what they hope to gain from the experience.
WAITLIST: If you do not initially get placed, you will be placed on the waitlist. We move through the waitlist in three rounds, opening spots depending on those who successfully pay their down payment. You cannot drop your break to be placed on the waitlist.
Strongest consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate a willingness to learn about ethical community engagement through education, reflection, and engagement. Students who recognize that Alternative Breaks is not just an opportunity to travel, but an opportunity to have a meaningful experience.
You will be able to list your top three break choices, but we cannot guarantee that you will be offered a spot on your top choice.
*Discounts application available for participants seeking support. Break discounts will not cover the cost of down-payment. You must still pay the non-refundable $100 down-payment.
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STEP 2: RECEIVE A PLACEMENT OFFER
About 1 week after the application deadline, look out for an email from alternativebreaks@utah.edu that will contain information about your alternative breaks placement offer including, break theme, location, site leader, break discount award (if you applied for it), drivers training, and next steps.
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STEP 3: PAY YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE DOWN PAYMENT
After receiving a placement offer, (look out for an email from alternativebreaks@utah.edu) you must pay a $100 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Payment method will be available online.
Failure to pay your deposit will result in a forfeiture of your spot and it will be offered to someone on the waitlist.
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STEP 4: FILL OUT NECESSARY FORMS AND COMPLETE DRIVERS TRAINING
Your offer email will contain information about the necessary forms to complete and the due date. Successful completion of this paperwork is required for participation.
If you are willing drive a university issued minivan during your experience, you will need to complete drivers training and fill out the Bennion Center's Driver's declaration form. If you indicate you are willing to drive in your application, you will receive information on how to do this in your offer email.
Drivers are essential to the Alternative Breaks program. Each break needs a minimum of 6 drivers to receive departure approval. We take drivers into consideration when offering break placements to successfully meet our minimum requirement.
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STEP 5: WAIT FOR A WELCOME TEXT FROM YOUR SITE LEADER AND ATTEND PREDEPARTURE MEETINGS/TRAININGS
After you receive a placement offer and pay your down payment, your site leader will reach out via text and add you to a group chat. They will schedule predeparture meetings and provide important logistic information. Please respond in a timely manner.
Three weeks leading up to departure, every participant will attend one weekly meeting. These meetings are required. Failure to attend will result in losing your spot on the break and deposit.
- Pre-departure Meeting #1 (3 weeks prior to break)
- 1 hour
- With members of your Alternative Break
- Scheduled by Site Leader
- Topics covered: Introductions to group and theme, what to expect, drivers training, ethical community engagement workshops
- Ethical Community Engagement Workshop (2 weeks prior to break)
- 1.5 hours
- With participants from all alternative breaks for the semester
- Scheduled by the Alternative Breaks executive team (Program Manager & Executive Board)
- Topics covered: Education on how to ethical engage with community partners.
- Pre-Departure Meeting #2 (week prior to break)
- 1 hour
- With members of your Alternative Break
- Scheduled by Site Leader
- Topics covered: Break logistics, final itinerary given, safety, final coordination
We know you will have a lot of questions about the specifics of what will occur on your break, that's totally understandable. However, please keep in mind that our site leaders only have a short amount of time to plan and arrange the entire week, so you will not receive the finalized itinerary until the week before the break (Pre Departure meeting #2).
- Pre-departure Meeting #1 (3 weeks prior to break)
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STEP 6: PAY THE REST OF YOUR BREAK COST
Your offer email will notify you of the date your final payment is due. Payment must be made by that date in order to maintain your spot.
Payment Plans: Special arrangements may be made concerning a payment plan for the down payment/total payment. Please email alternativebreaks@utah.edu for more information.
If you cancel your participation 15 days or less prior to departure day, you are still responsible for the entire cost of the experience. Non-compliance is subject to a hold being placed on your university records.
Expenses covered by your payment include all community engagement activities, transportation, meals, and lodging throughout the experience.
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STEP 7: GO ON YOUR BREAK!
It’s time to go. Alternative Breaks are immersive experiences built around community engagement, learning, reflection, and connection. Every trip is different, but participants can expect full days, meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and opportunities to grow alongside others.
A typical day will include:
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Education
- Learn more about the social, environmental, or community issues connected to the experience through discussions, workshops, readings, videos, or guest speakers.
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Community Engagement
- Work alongside local organizations and community partners through projects and experiences connected to the trip theme.
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Reflection
- Take time to process the day, share perspectives, and connect experiences to larger ideas and future action.
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Community Building
- Get to know the group through shared meals, conversations, travel, and intentional connection.
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Self-Care & Rest
- Time is built into recharge, decompress, and care for individual wellbeing.
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Understanding the Location
- Each Alternative Break includes time to better understand the city, region, or community through local spaces, culture, and context.
What to Expect:
- Shared transportation and lodging
- Group meals and daily schedules
- New experiences and new perspectives
- Flexibility as plans evolve
- Meaningful relationships and memories that last beyond the trip
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STEP 8: REORIENTATION
Reorienting to Salt Lake City after an Alternative Break is an important part of the experience. Returning home often brings new perspectives, questions, and energy shaped by what was learned during the trip. Reorientation creates space to reflect on the experience, reconnect with the group, and consider how lessons from the break can continue to inform everyday life, relationships, and engagement within the Salt Lake City community.
About three weeks after your break, we'll reunite the entire Alternative Breaks community to have dinner and celebrate the work accomplished during breaks. This will be an opportunity to reflect on your experience and reconnect with your site leader, staff partner, and fellow participants.
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