Alternative Breaks

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The Alternative Break program at Utah Valley University provides students with an immersive learning experience by traveling to different communities and engaging with pressing social issues. Our breaks are alternative fall break and spring break trips where students can access social impact opportunities outside of the classroom.

These trips are guided by the insights and expertise of local community partners and are framed around one or more of the Six Pathways of Social Impact: direct service, community-engaged learning and research, social entrepreneurship, policy and governance, community organizing and activism, and philanthropy. The also include integrated training and education on systems and design thinking for better collaboration with communities.

Fall 2026 Trip Applications are now OPEN

This fall break, travel to Moab with us for an alternative break trip focused on food insecurity and the systems that shape access to food in our communities. From October 15-17, you'll have the opportunity to explore Moab, learn alongside community partners, and connect with other students who want to make a difference. The $250 trip fee includes all transportation, lodging, and meals.
To be considered as a participant for this trip, this application form must be submitted no later than Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 11:59pm
Click the link below to learn more and apply!

Alternative Fall Break Application - 2026

Spring 2027 Trips

high rise buildings with palm trees along sidewalks.

Alternative Spring Break Details and Application will be available in December 2026

Apply now to participate in an Alternative Break experience!  To be considered, submit your application by Friday, February 5th, 2027

Details:

  • All trips are from Saturday, March 13- Wednesday March 11-7, 2027

  • Seattle, WA: Journeys of Migration: Stories of Migration and Refuge

  • Moab, UT: Displacement and Resilience: Indigenous Perspectives

  • Los Angeles, CA: Urban Displacement: Housing and Humanity in Los Angeles

  • Costs:

    • Seattle: TBD
    • Moab: TBD
    • LA: TBD
    • Deposit: $50 (due within 48 hours of acceptance)
    • Payment plans are available.

Previous Trips

  • Indigenous Voting Rights in the Navajo Nation
  • Homelessness in Portland
  • Environmental Sustainability in the Redwoods 
  • Black Community-Building in Los Angeles 
  • Cultural Traditions Education in  San Francisco 

A student at the Navajo Nation during a Center for Soical Impact alternative break trip

If you are a campus or community partner with an idea for an Alternative Break trip, please contact us at [email protected] and we'll set up a collaboration meeting.