Alternative Breaks

ETSU students tackle critical community concerns through immersive experiences rooted in hands-on service and social justice to become more active citizens and affect positive change.

The Alternative Breaks program, coordinated by the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement at East Tennessee State University, offers a unique and immersive experience for students to engage in direct service and education around pressing social issues. These student-led and -developed trips take participants in and outside of the region, allowing them to tackle critical community concerns, such as poverty, youth development, and environmental sustainability. Rooted in hands-on service and social justice, these initiatives provide opportunities for students to go beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in purposeful experiences aimed at fostering personal growth and community connection. Through partnerships with various service organizations, Alternative Breaks empower students to confront pressing societal issues head-on, equipping them with the tools and perspectives necessary to become more active citizens and affect positive change. 

Group photo of students and faculty in front of a “HEALTH” banner.


This year, the Alternative Break experience at ETSU saw four diverse groups of students serving in three different locations, each focused on a distinct issue. Students at Rocky Fork State Park dedicated themselves to the responsible stewardship of public parks and land, working to preserve and protect the natural beauty of their own backyard. In the state’s capital of Nashville, one group of students delved into the critical issue of voting rights, striving to understand and advocate for the fundamental principles of democracy, while another group of students addressed health equity and public policy concerns within the Volunteer State. In New Orleans, students engaged in education and youth development efforts while partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana.  

Person in ETSU jacket builds a wooden model with their hands.


Upon returning to ETSU, participants were equipped with heightened awareness and a renewed commitment to addressing parallel concerns within their community, embodying the university’s mission to improve the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond.

See students in action during this year’s Alternative Break.

By Rachel Howard   |   Photos Contributed

Read more incredible stories in the Summer 2024 Edition of ETSU Today. #BucsGoBeyond

ETSU Today | Winter 2024

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