March 4–11, 2023

Program Description

An eight-day excursion that allows students to experience service-learning by visiting the El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico. Students will participate in conservation projects at Cabezas de San Juan and a disaster relief and resiliency project in the local community. In addition, participants will work with the Boys and Girls Club helping with homework, assisting with recreational activities, and helping youth practice speaking English. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the region's culture and interact with Puerto Rican citizens.

Program Requirements

The success of the Alternative Spring Break program depends on the responsible and enthusiastic participation of all team members.

Students will be responsible for the following:

  • Attend group meetings before/after the spring break trip.
    • Fall semester: one or two meetings
    • Spring semester: mandatory weekly meetings (Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. in the Learning Resources Center, 125C Eiche Library)
  • Participate in group fundraising efforts, community service, and social events.
  • Contribute to and participate in the final presentation held in April.

Program Costs

$985 CCI program fee includes the following:

  • Seven nights at the Volunteer House in El Yunque, Puerto Rico
  • In-country transportation
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Conservation project at Cabezas de San Juan
  • Environmental restoration project
  • Boys and Girls Club activities: homework, recreational activities, practice speaking English
  • Disaster relief and resiliency project in the local community
  • Catamaran trip to the Coral reef for snorkeling and exploration

$616.60 Airfare

  • Departing airport Baltimore Washington (BWI) to San Juan Munoz Marin International (SJU) Airport

$267 Bus Transportation

  • Penn State Altoona to and from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)

$1868.60 Tentative Total Program Costs
Subject to change based on current market rates and the number of participants at the time of travel.

Other Expenses

Academic Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Registered for spring 2023

Application Process

  1. Apply online by November 28, 2022. A limited number of participants will be accepted.
  2. Judicial and academic records reviewed.
  3. Personal Interview with ASB faculty and staff leaders

Deadlines

  • November 14 (week of)
    • One-on-one interviews
  • November 28
    • Online registration
    • Signed waivers
    • Copy of Real ID or Passport
  • January 9
    • Bursar account charged
  • January 31
    • Emergency Preparedness Workshop (mandatory)
  • February 1
    • Obtain required COVID and other recommended immunizations

Program Advisers

  • Michael Baronner, Penn State Altoona’s landscape team leader. Michael’s agricultural expertise is essential in the development of sustainable orchard and crop fields.
  • Victoria Hesser, Program Assistant. Victoria has acted as a program adviser and facilitator of logistics following University protocol for the program since 2010.