ALTERNATIVE BREAKS

Office of Mission & Ministry 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 30, 2025

2025-26 Alternative Break Sites

Alderson, West Virginia - Summer Break - Bethlehem Farm invites volunteers to be part of their mission and home as they teach about environmental sustainability and care for creation in Alderson, WV! By living out the Gospel cornerstones of prayer, simplicity, service and community each day of their lives, they offer volunteers not just the opportunity for service, but the opportunity to experience another way of life.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Summer Break - During this break, you will teach classes to elementary school students and adult learners, run a Vacation Bible School for adolescents, and visit community members who are ill. Students will assist the Bernardine Sisters with the operations of their school and experience life in the Los Tres Brazos barrio.

Camden, New Jersey - Spring Break - The Urban Challenge Program at the Romero Center in Camden, NJ is an urban service experience rooted in the Catholic faith tradition. This unique educational and retreat opportunity helps its participants understand urban poverty, its causes, and the many issues people in these communities confront daily. Urban decay, unemployment, food insecurity, lack of access to quality education, lack of affordable housing and homelessness, and environmental injustice are among those.

Reading, Pennsylvania - Spring Break - The Reading Alternative Break gives Alvernia students the chance to make a direct impact in their own community. Participants take part in hands-on service that helps meet local needs, from providing food support to assisting underserved populations. By working with community members and organizations, students make a real difference while gaining a better understanding of local challenges. This experience builds a stronger connection between Alvernia and Reading and encourages a commitment to service beyond the break.

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ALTERNATIVE BREAK APPLICATION

Full Name ^*

Student ID # ^*

Home Address ^*

City ^*

State: ^*

Postal/ Zip Code: ^*

Student Major: ^*

Housing Status ^*

residentcommuter

If you are a resident, what is your campus address?

Intended Graduation Year ^*

Preferred Phone Number: ^*

Preferred Email Address: ^*

Which trip are you interested in? ^*

Dominican RepublicWest VirginiaReadingCamden NJ

T-Shirt Size- they tend to run small ^*

SmallMediumLargeXLXXL

Do you speak/read/write any languages other than English? ^*

yesno

For International travel considerations, I am a... ^*

U.S. CitizenLegal resident or Visa Holder of the United StatesI do not wish to participate in an international Alternative BreakOther

Are you a Reading Collegiate Scholar?: ^*

YesNo

How did you hear about Alternative Breaks? Check all that apply ^*

Word of mouthEmailSocial MediaInfo SessionsWebsiteFlyersOther

By submitting this application, you are agreeing to give Alvernia permission to use your photos, videos, and/or quote you in promotional materials including the website and/or social media: ^*

I agreeI do not agree