Alternative Breaks adds new scholarships for participants

Tamica Jean-Charles/Entertainment Director

It was 1994 when 13 students came together to create a volunteer group. Today, it’s known as FIU’s Alternative Breaks. Their motto: “Changing the world, one break at a time.”

The service organization tackles social issues, ranging from homelessness to immigration, according to Krystal Kennedy, director of research and analytics.

And this year, the organization hopes to provide at least five scholarships to students who need financial assistance to participate.

The club aims to keep costs to a feasible rate for all participants. Domestic trips can cost up to $6,000, while international trips can cost up to $11,000. Kennedy says the aBintends for domestic trips to not exceed $500 per person and $1,000 for international trips.

“The students that sign up for it, they already know they’re going to be doing a lot more fundraising,” said Kennedy. “Most students who go to South America or the Carribean, they’re doing smaller amounts since it’s not as expensive to fly.”

Fundraising initiatives include bake sales, car washes, concerts and donations from local businesses and organizations. Groups can choose to fundraise individually or collectively.

Scholarships are also available for those who need financial assistance. Last year the club offered three, but this year aB hopes to offer at least five this year.

Applicants can chose to go on a domestic trip within the continental U.S. or an international trip. Once they are interviewed and officially onboarded, members will fundraise up until the trip to lower costs. Members will have to pay a participation fee, which can be paid monthly.

Here’s the catch: applicants will not know where they’re going. Destinations are kept secret until the students are placed into their groups. Prospective applicants are only signing up for one of the 20 social issues they are passionate about, said Kennedy.

“We believe it’s about the cause and not where you go, it’s about how you help,” said Kennedy.

Groups typically range from eight to 10 members, including a site leader. Site leaders are required to attend a retreat the weekend before fall semester and several educational meetings for their respective trips, according to Kennedy.

Members will also undergo further training on the destination, conflicts, medical information and other information pertinent to the trip.

aB members will be required to participate in one “day of service,” where members will volunteer with a local organization to get an idea of what they will be doing the future.  

Costa Rica and Belize are just a couple of trips aB have in mind to venture, but the club is working to expand their international trips outside the western hemisphere, said Kennedy.

Trips are typically seven to 11 days long depending on travel times. The itinerary includes at least five days of service and one “culture day,” in which students can explore the city or country before departure.

Kennedy is not new to volunteering. Her passion for helping others began back in high school, and when she entered college, she wanted to find a way to continue her drive. The junior chemistry major was introduced during her freshman orientation, and was involved ever since.

“Last year I taught kids English in Thailand,” said Kennedy. “For me it was the urge of wanting to help people and aB gave me that, and traveling was just the bonus. I was able to expand my knowledge on different things that are happening in the world.”

Applications for site leaders and participants can visit their website at fiu.edu/ab to apply and learn more about the club. Applications will close on Friday, Sept. 14.