The Alternative Break (AB) program started at the University of Texas at Austin in the 1990s through a former program within the Longhorn Center for Community Engagement. For several years, trips brought together UT students to unique locations while participating in week long community service activities. Groups of 10-14 UT student participants worked closely with community agencies on specific issues ranging from literacy, poverty, racism, hunger, homelessness, and the environment.
In 2004, the decision was made to suspend the Alternative Break program due to growing travel restrictions after 9/11. Nearly a decade later, in 2014, the Alternative Break program saw exciting new growth and was able to restart! In the 2014-2015 school year, AB sent 22 students into the city of New Orleans to serve. In the 2015-2016 school year, the program expanded even more with two new cities (San Francisco, CA and South Texas) as trip sites. Check out pictures of past trips below!
2022 Project
Systemic Racism in New Orleans, LA
2016-17 Projects
LGBTQ+ Rights and Advocacy in San Francisco, CA
Immigration Policy in South Texas
Gentrification in East Austin
Structural Racism in New Orleans, LA
2015-16 Projects
LGBTQ+ Rights and Advocacy in San Francisco, CA
Immigration Policy in South Texas
Gentrification in East Austin
2014-15 Projects
New Orleans, Louisiana: Rebuilding Hope in New Orleans, Habitat for Humanity, a community garden, and the Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal
2003 Projects
Shiprock, New Mexico: Navajo Nation & Shiprock Home for Women
Window Rock, Arizona: Navajo Nation
Monticello, Utah: Plateau Restoration of Utah
Ignacio, Colorado: Southern Ute Public Education
Staten Island, New York: Project Hospitality HIV/AIDS Center
Bronx, New York: Part of the Solution (POTS) Soup Kitchen
Manhattan, New York: Gay Men’s Health Crisis & Youth Service Opportunities Project
2002 Projects
New York, New York : Project Hospitality HIV/AIDS Center
Zellwood, Florida: Anthony House Homeless Shelter
Monterrey, Mexico: Caritas Homeless Shelter
Shiprock, New Mexico: Shiprock Home for Women
Monticello, Utah: Plateau Restoration of Utah
Ignacio, Colorado: Ute Reservation Education Services
2001 Projects
Monterrey, Mexico
New York, New York
Zellwood, Florida
Alternative Breaks Program: Past & Present
If you attended a past AB trip and have photos from your experience, please send them to us!