About this Experience

Cost: $175.00

Dates: Morning of Friday, Oct. 3rd to Evening of Sunday, Oct. 5th

About this Experience

Cost: $585.00

Dates: Sunday, Oct. 5th to Saturday, Oct. 11th

About this Experience

The Queer Advocacy Alt Break is an immersive program that will focus on exploring and understanding the complexities of LGBTQ+ experiences and perspectives. This break will encourage participants to engage deeply with the historical and contemporary challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities. We will participate in service projects, workshops, and discussions, and will gain valuable insight into how various societal systems impact the queer community. The experience is open to anyone and designed to foster personal growth, community engagement, and a commitment to advocacy and allyship for the LGBTQ+ community.

Cost: $535.00

Dates: Sunday, Oct. 6th to Saturday, Oct. 12th

About this Experience

The Disability Advocacy Alternative Break will focus on understanding the world from the disabled community's perspective to help us learn how we, as individuals, can better support and advocate for the disabled community. We recognize that everyone feels the impact of disability differently so we will explore the nuances and complexity of multiple experiences. We recognize that the disabled community encompasses a wide range of disabilities, from mobility issues to neurodivergence. Because of this, we will engage with community partners who advocate for different areas of the disabled community as well as learn about the unique challenges people with various disabilities may face. We will also educate about the history of disability advocacy and disability law will help deepen our understanding of the disabled community.

Cost: $585.00

Dates: Sunday, Oct. 5th to Saturday, Oct. 11th

About this Experience

Embark on a journey that explores the multifaceted aspects of collectively managing land to meet community needs and ensure long-term ecological, social and economic well-being. Grounded immersive nature experiences, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging activities, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape our connection to the natural environment, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the world around us. Engage in meaningful dialogue with local communities, learning from their wisdom and perspectives on the significance of nature in shaping our communities and the collective responsibility to care for the land. Participate in hands-on environmental stewardship in its various mediums, leaving a positive impact on the landscapes that sustain us. 

Cost: $400.00

Dates: Monday, Oct. 6th to Friday, Oct. 10th

About this Experience

Nearly 2 million people in the United States are currently incarcerated. This break will provide participants with a historical and social understanding of why this number is the highest in the world and why it must be lowered. We will explore the many negative impacts of mass incarceration on our communities and learn about avenues of structural and social reform that ensure positive outcomes. Through educational and reflective activities, participants will leave this break with a better understanding of those who are incarcerated and how to strengthen our communities by reshaping our understanding of the word "criminal."

Cost: $585.00

Dates: Sunday, Oct. 5th to Saturday, Oct. 11th

The Alternative Breaks fall selection process is application based only (not first-come, first-served). The deadline to apply as a participant and for a discount for Fall 2024 is Monday, September 1st at 11:59 pm.  

These are the expectations to which the Bennion Center holds all of its Alternative Breaks participants. Failure to adhere the Alternative Breaks and University of Utah policies will result in expulsion from the program and forfeiture of deposit and/or entire break cost.

All participants are expected to:

• Attend all pre-departure meetings and other break activities and trainings (approximately 2 hours total) (Week of September 15th & Week of September 30th)
• Attend an Ethical Community Engagement workshop in preparation for their AB experience (approximately 1.5 hours total) (Week of September 22nd)
• Provide policy information for any personal medical insurance they will have for the duration of their break in the event of a medical emergency. Medical insurance is not a requirement to participate in Alternative Breaks; a secondary group insurance is purchased to cover those who do not have medical insurance.
• Be financially responsible for any incidental personal expenses incurred during the experience (i.e. souvenirs)
• Participate in all break activities including work/service projects, team-building exercises, and other activities as determined by group leaders
• Abide by all University of Utah policies and procedures as they apply to the Alternative Breaks experience
• Remain alcohol- and drug-free from date of departure until time of return
• Participate in a post-break Reorientation event on Friday, October 14th from 4:00 pm -6:00 pm (loction TBA).

Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected by Monday, September 8th. At this time, applicants who have been selected will have until Thursday, September 11th at 11:59 pm to reserve their spot with a non-refundable$100 down payment. Payment method will be available online. Failure to place a down payment will result in forfeiture of your spot. 

Payment Plans: Special arrangements may be made concerning a payment plan for the down payment/total payment. Please contact  email alternativebreaks@utah.edu for more information.

Total costs must be paid by Sunday, September 21st at 11:59 pm.

If you cancel your reservation on an experience after Thursday, September 25th,  you are 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.

Break Discounts to subsidize the cost of the AB experience are available to students with a financial need. All participants are welcome to apply if experiencing a financial need. Break Discount applications will be made available upon being offered a trip spot and are due on TBD date.

For any questions or concerns please email alternativebreaks@utah.edu