East Michigan News

Central Michigan University’s nationally ranked Alternative Breaks program is expanding its reach by nearly doubling in size. With additional community non-profit partners, CMU students will have more opportunities to engage in meaningful service projects across the country in states like Texas, North Carolina, and Maine.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 300 students participated in Alternative Breaks experiences both locally and nationally, including a new partnership with Grand Canyon National Park, where students worked on sustainability and conservation efforts. The service opportunity marked a significant milestone for the program, providing students with hands-on experience addressing critical environmental challenges. To get to the Grand Canyon, students took a 38-hour Amtrak train ride each way from Chicago.

Looking ahead, the program has its sights set on Alaska, where students will engage in educational and service experiences focused on the experiences of people with disabilities in higher education. This new initiative will offer unique insight into disability education, further expanding the diverse social issues CMU students can explore through Alternative Breaks. It will also be the first time the program has traveled to Alaska.

By continuing to expand the program's network of community partners, CMU is offering students a wider variety of service experiences, addressing issues like hunger, leadership through education, and coastal restoration.

For Brooke Gordon, a senior from Rochester, MI, the program has been life-changing. “CMU AB has taught me valuable lessons on community engagement and the impact of my voice,” she said. “Through weeklong and Friday breaks, I have grown immensely in my knowledge of various social issues. These skills allow me to facilitate meaningful, productive dialogue well into my future.”

Brooke’s involvement as a student leader has also prepared her for her professional career. “I’ve had the opportunity to develop curriculum and facilitate trainings for my peers,” she explains. “These are experiences that I can directly translate into my professional career. Alternative Breaks bridges classroom learning with real-world application.”

This year marks another step forward in the program’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility. With its network of community partners and dedication to student development, CMU’s Alternative Breaks program is poised to continue making a difference on a national scale.