What is the mission of Alternative Student Breaks at Northwestern?

Alternative Student Breaks (ASB) seeks to educate Northwestern University students about specific social issues by immersing them in service-learning activities in a wide array of communities across the country (and world).  A student-run, student-driven organization, ASB strives to encourage lifelong social action by involving, educating, and heightening students’ social awareness during their time at Northwestern.

 

Since its inception at Northwestern in 1994, thousands of Wildcats have taken advantage of Alternative Student Breaks trips, speakers, and events.

 

Why go on an ASB trip?

Alternative Student Breaks provides the unique opportunity to learn about and embrace three distinct things: your peers, an important social issue, and an interesting region of the country (or world!).  Every ASB trip brings together a diverse mix of Northwestern students from all areas of campus, while immersing the group in a specific issue and geographic region.  The magical fusion of these three things creates an unforgettable week.  It is something you can’t pass up during your time at Northwestern.

 

How do I get on an ASB trip?

Easy.  You just have to fill out and turn in the Trip Placement Application, which is released along with respective sites.  For Winter Break trips, this happens in early October; for Spring Break trips, this happens in mid-January.  The application is used to place you on a trip of particular interest with other students who have similar interests and passions.  Upon trip placement, participants are notified by their two Site Leaders and begin the rewarding process of going on an ASB trip.

 

How much do ASB trips cost?  Is financial aid available?

ASB trips vary widely in price.  Driving trips range from $180 - $300, depending on distance.  Flying trips typically cost $500+.  This price (described in “What does my fee pay for?”) covers all costs.

Financial aid is available for ASB trips.  ASB Exec, Site Leaders, and Participants fundraise year-round to help provide financial aid to everyone who needs it.  Financial aid packages include ASB Scholarships, payment plans, and extra fundraising opportunities.

 

What does my fee pay for?

ASB trips are budgeted to create the most widely affordable, yet comfortable, experience for all participants.  The fee includes ALL the week’s expenses, with the exception of food while driving/flying; it covers all food, lodging, and travel expenses for the week, as well as an ASB t-shirt and some extra money for each trip to spend on an adventure of its choosing.

 

Now that I have gone on ASB, how can I get more involved?

Many opportunities allow students to spread the ASB love on campus:

 

SITE LEADING

Being a trip Site Leader allows students to directly impact participants by leading group reflections, handling financial matters, and inspiring the ASB spirit on Winter, Spring, and Pre-Wildcat Welcome ASB trips.  Site leaders learn useful tools in facilitating group discussions and activities, and get a $50 discount on their trip!

 

ASB STREET CREW

The Street Crew brings ASB to all of Northwestern, helping show why ASB is awesome!  Getting people excited about ASB is critical to spreading ASB’s mission on- and off-campus.  The Street Crew is responsible for designing and organizing flyers, banners, and firesides and munchies at dorms, residential colleges, and Greek houses.  Without the Street Crew, ASB could barely get participants!

 

EXEC BOARD

If you’re dedicated to taking on a leading role in making ASB what it is, apply to be on the ASB Executive Board.  The Exec Board is the final stop in bringing ASB together – selecting sites, organizing housing, fundraising, coordinating Participants, training Site Leaders, bringing speakers to campus, and so much more.  If you really love ASB and want take on all the ASB you can handle, apply for the board during Spring Quarter!

 

I know a site that would be great for ASB.  Who do I contact?

ASB is always looking for exciting new sites to enhance our programming.  If you have a site that you feel would provide a wonderful service-learning experience for NU students, email us at asb@u.northwestern.edu.  Our Site Development Coordinators may contact you for further information.

 

What’s the deal with ASB during Pre-Wildcat Welcome?

Pre-Wildcat Welcome trips are ASB’s newest endeavor.  Currently, these trips before Wildcat Welcome are open to all incoming freshmen.  Information about and applications for individual trips are available in early summer.

 

Can I get added to the ASB listserv for direct updates?

Absolutely.  Email asb@u.northwestern.edu and we’ll get you added.

 

What if I have other questions??

Always feel free to shoot us an email at asb@u.northwestern.edu.