APPLES' Alternative Break Programs provide an avenue for students to perform service activities across North Carolina, the Southeast, and the Mid-Atlantic. The Alternative Spring Break Program begins with a one-credit hour, pass/fail course in which students examine theories behind community service as well as specific issues relative to the communities where they volunteer. Two programs are associated with a three-hour credit class.

The experience is a week long journey where students apply what they have learned throughout the semester through direct service, indirect service, and advocacy work in communities. A strong emphasis is placed on reflection both throughout the experience and following the students' return.

"The APPLES Alternative Spring Break Program is a unique way for students to combine a course on a pertinent social issue with community service," said Sam Wurzelmann, co-chair of APPLES Alternative Spring Break. "This year we are really emphasizing the fact that social issues can be addressed not only in the community, but on campus as well."

APPLES Spring Break 2009 offers seven alternative break experiences dealing with a variety of different social issues ranging from civil rights to disaster relief. Each experience has 13 participants, two student leaders and 11 students. The leaders have been preparing all year, developing syllabi, securing housing, and coordinating service activities. Student participants began attending class weekly at the beginning of the spring semester to better prepare them for the experience.

Upon their return, students will be conducting presentations on their diverse and rich experiences.

For more information on the APPLES Alternative Break Program please visit www.unc.ed/apples.

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About the APPLES Service-Learning Program

APPLES is a student-led program that builds sustainable, service-learning partnerships among students, faculty and communities in North Carolina and beyond. By engaging all partners in an enriched, community-based curriculum, our experiential programs foster socially aware and civically involved students.

To learn more about the APPLES Service-Learning Program, please stop by our office in the Frank Porter Graham Student Union room 3514 or contact us at 919-962-0962, or by e-mail at apples@unc.edu. Our Web site is http://www.unc.edu/apples.

Related Links

1. http://www.unc.edu/apples