Alternative Service Breaks (ASB) is a weeklong service experience where students volunteer alongside community organizations in communities across the country to address critical social issues. This year, ASB will take place Sunday, March 10 to Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Through service, ASB seeks to foster genuine connections between BU students and our community partners by creating an environment where inclusivity, intentionality, curiosity, empathy, cultural humility, and reflection are prioritized.

This year, we will be working on service projects in 6 different communities across the United States, from Macon, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana. These projects examine a variety of social justice topics including:

Animal Rights
Environmental Conservation
Health & Disabilities
Housing & Homelessness
Youth & Education

Each location offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about the ways community members are working to address the social issues affecting their community. In addition to service, volunteers will have a chance to explore new places and take part in a variety of educational and recreational activities.

Registration will be open through mid-February, however, spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If capacity is reached before the deadline, registration will close early. Before you register, PLEASE READ the overview, as well as this complete list of FAQs.

1) Make sure to have your CREDIT CARD INFORMATION and HEALTH INSURANCE CARD on hand. You will need both to complete your ASB registration.

2) At the time of registration, you will pay a $250 deposit. However, the total cost of ASB is $950.

Students should only register for ONE (1) trip. Holding spots on multiple trips is not permitted.
If you cannot pay the deposit, please email us at altbreak@bu.edu and we will make financing work for you.
After you complete your registration, we will send a follow-up email detailing how you can make your final trip payment.
Final trip payments are due February 23, 2024. If you are concerned about making the final payment by the deadline, please email us as soon as possible to discuss payment plan options.

3) Scholarships of up to $950 are available to students who demonstrate financial need. We take into consideration a student’s unmet need, as determined by the Office of Financial Assistance, and extenuating circumstances that may impact a student’s ability to pay the program fee. Both domestic and international students can apply for scholarships.

To be considered for a scholarship, make sure to answer the scholarship questions during registration.
Scholarship applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Typically, it takes 1-2 weeks for us to process and review applications.
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 $250 deposit.
Please email us directly at altbreak@bu.edu 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!

4) If your 18th birthday is on or after March 10th, 2024, both you and a parent/guardian must sign and submit an Under-18 waiver. We will send you this waiver via email after you complete the registration process.

5) Payments for ASB are non-refundable

6) ASB is a drug and alcohol-free program for all staff and participants.

7) We recommend that you do not use your browser's back button as you may lose data and your opportunity to register.

Have additional questions? Contact the Alternative Service Breaks Program Managers at altbreak@bu.edu or 617-353-4710.

Registrations are closed

BU CSC Alternative Service Breaks 2024