Faculty, staff encouraged to support UAB’s alternative spring break

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blazers on break streamStudents interested in exploring social issues through first-hand service and reflection are able to do so through Blazers on Break, UAB’s alternative spring break program offered through the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership. This past year, 26 UAB students served 682 service hours.

Each trip provides opportunities for students to engage in direct service during a period of five to seven days in a location selected to address a particular social issue, such as youth development, community development and revitalization.

A new fellowship is being offered to financially support the professional staff and faculty who supervise the trips and enhance guided learning through pre-trip sessions for all participants.

“My greatest take away from this experience was the excitement in seeing a fire sparked in our students.”

“My greatest take away from this experience was the excitement in seeing a fire sparked in our students,” said Maggie Tucker, office service specialist in Student Involvement and Leadership. "It’s been exciting to see where they began and what they have done. Many students brought back initiatives to put into place in our own campus organizations.”

Facilitation Fellow applications are being accepted through 5 p.m. Nov. 8; those who complete the program will receive a $1,000 stipend. Facilitators commit their time and efforts to supporting the learning prior to and during the alternative break experience; a schedule of pre-trip meetings is online.