March 8–15, 2025

Program Description

Alternative Breaks are service-learning experiences that support the community in seeking a more equitable and inclusive society. Alternative Break trips are designed to heighten participants’ awareness of critical social issues, enhance their individual growth, and prepare them for lifelong social action.

Penn State Altoona is offering 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, students will work with the Boys and Girls Club, helping with homework, assisting with recreational activities, and helping youth practice speaking English. Students will explore the culture of the region and interact with the 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 excursion as set by each campus’ Alternative Spring Break program leaders.
    • Penn State Altoona
      • Fall semester: one or two meetings
      • Spring semester: mandatory weekly meetings
        Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. in the Student Success Center, room 125 of the Eiche Library
    • Penn State DuBois
      • To be announced
  • Participate in group fundraising efforts, community service, and social events.
  • Contribute to and participate in the final presentation held in April.

Program Costs

$1,187—CCI program fee includes:

  • 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

$165—Additional Activities

  • Group meal at Luquillo Food Kiosks—$40 per person
  • Group meal at Old San Juan—$20 per person
  • Las Pailas Water Slides—$20 per person
  • Island Kayaking Adventure (bioluminescence lagoon)—$100 per person

$1,000—Airfare

  • Departing airport Pittsburgh (PIT) to San Juan Munoz Marin International (SJU) Airport

$175—Bus Transportation to and from the airport

  • Penn State Altoona to and from Pittsburgh International (PIT)
  • Penn State DuBois to and from Pittsburgh International (PIT)

~$2,327—Tentative Total Program Costs
The possibility of Student Initiated Fee (SIF) and Student Engagement Network (SEN) funding may be available to help reduce the student’s out-of-pocket costs to participate. The Office of Academic Affairs will award each participant a $200 award following their travels.

Program Costs
Costs/Support Amount
Program Costs $2,327
Academic Affairs Travel Award -$200
Total Cost for Student $2,127

Note: All costs are subject to change based on current market rates and the number of participants at the time of travel.

Other Expenses

  • $0–75—Southwest Baggage
    • $0—First two checked bags are free (weight and size limits)
    • $75—Oversized bag (more than 50 lbs. or larger than 62 inches)
  • $30–35.50* – Real ID
  • $160—Passport
  • $200 - Personal expenses
  • Immunizations (costs vary)

Academic Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Registered for spring 2025

Application Process

  1. Apply online by October 31, 2024. A limited number of participants will be accepted
  2. Judicial and academic records reviewed
  3. Personal Interview with Alternative Spring Break faculty and staff leaders

Deadlines

  • November 15, 2024
    • Signed waivers
    • Copy of Real ID and/or Passport
  • January 31, 2025
    • Emergency Preparedness Workshop (mandatory)
  • February 1, 2025
    • Obtain required COVID vaccinations
    • Other recommended immunizations

Program Adviser

Victoria Hesser, Program Assistant
Victoria has acted as a program adviser and facilitator of logistics, following Penn State protocol for the program since 2010. This program gives students the opportunity to spend their spring breaks in meaningful and engaging ways in communities unlike their own in destinations such as Jinotega, Nicaragua, Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, and Luquillo, Puerto Rico.