Many of us take it easy when The University of Akron offers us a whole week “off,” but 53 students and staff members are determined to make a difference through volunteering during UA’s annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB).
This is the 13th year our students and staff have taken the opportunity to give of their time over Spring Break — scheduled this year from March 26 through April 1. The ASB program, overseen by the Department of Student Life – serveAkron, got its start following Hurricane Katrina, when so many here felt moved to give back to a community in need.
Students on the 2017 Alternative Spring Break trip to Winder, Ga., had great fun working on this play area.
Over the years, the program has expanded to provide a variety of service experiences for all participants. This year, volunteers will be working on service projects in two locations — Pittsburgh, Pa. and Winder, Ga.
Individuals on the trip will put in roughly eight hours of volunteer work each day, says Adam Beverly, coordinator of student involvement. By the end of the week, UA teams will have dedicated more than 2,120 hours of service — the equivalent of roughly $17,278 in minimum wage work.
“We are so excited to continue UA’s great tradition of service-learning through Alternative Spring Break trips,” says Beverly. “Our students are able to have hands-on volunteer experience while connecting directly with those who benefit from their service work. Through reflection activities, team-building exercises and a lot of hard work, our students will make a lasting impact on each other and the agencies with which we serve.”
UA teams will be working on projects as follows:
- A team of 10 volunteers will be heading to Pittsburgh, Pa., to partner with The Pittsburgh Project — a nonprofit that works with urban youth and vulnerable elderly clientele in need of special accommodations or home renovations. After a full “work day,” ASB student leaders will assist in leading reflection sessions and team building exercises to make connections to the work being done.
- For the seventh consecutive year, our fraternity and sorority community will send volunteers to Camp Twin Lakes in Winder, Ga. The camp provides services for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, or other life challenges who need special care accommodations. The 44 volunteers will have the opportunity to spend time with these children and participate in reflective activities about their experiences. Volunteers will also assist in cleaning, painting and maintaining the campgrounds.
► Story by Erica Cantrell
► Media contact: Dan Minnich, 330-972-6476 or dminnich@uakron.edu.