Alternative Break Leadership

Leading you on a trip to remember

The Alternative Breaks program is run by IUPUI students, just like you.

A team of 12 scholars within the Alternative Break Scholarship program plans, implements, and leads the alternative breaks each year. These scholars are supported by funds in the Sam H. Jones Community Service Scholarship program provided by the Center for Service and Learning and the Greening IUPUI Grant provided by the Office of Sustainability.

How the leadership team is organized

There are three levels of leadership positions within the IUPUI Alternative Breaks Program:

AB Co-Coordinators—Four students serve ten hours weekly and earn a $4,000 scholarship. They are responsible for managing the AB program, co-planning the Fall Alternative Break (FAB), and leading their own Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip.
AB Trip Leader—Eight students serve four hours weekly and earn a $1,000 scholarship. Each trip leader is partnered and together they plan one trip. Trip leaders select the social issue, manage the community partnerships and trip curriculum, and all trip logistics.
AB Assistant—One to two students serve six hours before the trip to support the experience. This usually includes researching social issues, finding places to visit for the “Exploration Day,” and developing ice breakers/teambuilders for the trip. We sometimes have funding to provide a partial or full fee waiver for the ABA.

How do I become part of the leadership team?

AB Scholarship program

Once you have attended at least one alternative break, you may apply for the AB trip leader and co-coordinator scholarship positions. The application becomes available in November each year and submissions are due by early April. It includes personal questions, an essay, and at least one reference. You may also be asked to attend an individual or group interview.

AB Assistant positions

To become an AB Assistant, you’ll need to complete a separate application and be available to complete six hours of service before your trip. For details, email jagbreak@iupui.edu or stop by our office in Suite 370 of the Campus Center.

Take the first step toward becoming an AB leader

Get all the details about the application process