Still want to volunteer with ASB? Please contact the ASB program managers at altbreak@bu.edu for more information on how to register.
Alternative Service Breaks (ASB) is a weeklong opportunity hosted by the BU Community Service Center that connects communities and volunteers together through service. This year, ASB will take place in Boston from March 6-11, 2022.
ASB seeks to foster genuine connections between program participants and the community, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, diversity, intentional service, and a deeper understanding of social justice. Volunteers will be able to explore this by doing service in a variety of focus areas including:
- Food Justice
- Human Rights
- Environment & Sustainability
- Education & Youth Advocacy
Beyond service, volunteers will have the chance to explore Boston and meet like-minded peers who share a passion for social justice and community service. The theme for ASB 2022 is Full Moon. We chose this theme to show the unity in our community, emphasizing the idea that no matter where we are during ASB, we can all look up to the moon and know that we are connected and support each other as a community. Although we are staying local for this year’s program, unity is as important as ever! Our hope is for students in ASB to fall more in love with Greater Boston and gain an appreciation for all of the unique challenges and triumphs that make the city so special.
Registration will be open through Sunday, March 6th, however, spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for the event will close once capacity is reached.
PLEASE READ these important registration details before registering.
1) You will need your CREDIT CARD INFORMATION to complete your ASB registration.
- The "Ticket Buyer" name should be the name on the credit card used for payment.
- The "Ticket 1- ASB 2022" name should be the student participating.
2) Applying for a scholarship:
- In the ticket box above (desktop) or on the ticket page (mobile), select "Enter promotional code," enter Scholarship, and select "APPLY."
- Scholarships of up to $50 are available to students who demonstrate financial need through completion of a FAFSA and application for BU financial assistance.
- Scholarship applicants are required to pay a $25 deposit at registration.
- Scholarship decisions and information on paying remaining balances will be sent to students on a rolling basis. If you receive a full scholarship, we will refund you the $25 deposit.
- Please email us directly if you have questions or concerns about scholarships or paying our program deposit.
- Bottom line, if you want to participate in ASB, we do not want one's finances to be a barrier!
3) Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will inform you about your volunteer group on March 5th at 12pm (noon).
4) All ASB participants are required to follow all State and University public health guidelines during the week of ASB. Per University policies, Boston University will require all students enrolled in classes on our campuses to be vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) before February 4th, 2022. Students have to be compliant with these requirements in order to participate in ASB 2022. For more vaccination information, visit the back2bu website.
5) If your 18th birthday is on or after March 6th, 2022, you will be required to download and complete the waiver by clicking here for the waiver for students under the age of 18. Both you and a parent/guardian must sign and return the completed waiver to the CSC via email (altbreak@bu.edu).
7) Payments for ASB are non-refundable after March 6th, 2022.
8) ASB is a drug and alcohol-free program for all staff and participants.
9) We recommend that you do not use your browser's back button as you may lose data and your opportunity to register.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible to participate in ASB?
- All undergraduate and graduate students of Boston University are eligible to participate.
2. How many students can participate in ASB 2022?
- We are able to host 65-70 students for the ASB 2022 program. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend that students register as soon as possible to secure their spot.
3. What is covered by the ASB registration fee?
- The ASB registration fee will cover lunches, dinners, and transportation throughout the duration of the program. Most meals will be at the Warren Towers dining hall, which will be open throughout spring break. Students will be responsible for coordinating their own breakfast during the week. Additionally, participants will have the chance to attend off-campus outings and activities coordinated by their group leader. Students will be expected to cover any costs associated with these outings, should they choose to participate in the activities.
4. Where will volunteers stay during the program?
- BU Housing will be open the week of ASB 2022, therefore students living on campus will be able to stay in their current housing assignment for the week of ASB. Students living off-campus can stay in their apartments.
5. What will the week schedule look like? Will participants have any free time?
- ASB will kick off with an opening ceremony on Sunday, March 6th. Volunteers will meet their group for the week. Each group will spend Monday-Friday doing service with some of our amazing community partners. Groups will have one day off from service to explore Boston and do other group activities. The ASB experience will wrap up on Friday with a closing ceremony with all program participants. Generally, service will wrap up by 5 pm, so volunteers will have evenings to rest, do some homework, or whatever else they may need to attend to during spring break.
Have additional questions? Contact the Alternative Service Breaks Program Managers at altbreak@bu.edu or 617-353-4710.
