Alternative Spring Break
Join other Heartland students as we travel to Memphis, Tennessee to partner with Living Lands and Waters!
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a weeklong service opportunity during Heartland's Spring Break in which participants travel to and partner with an organization to help them meet a need in their community.
Spring 2026
This year's ASB dates are March 8th-14th. We will be traveling to Memphis, Tennessee to partner with Living Lands and Waters to help the preservation and restoration of McKellar Lake by cleaning up trash, removing invasive plant species, and having fun with the "river rats"! See Living Lands and Waters' mission statement below:
1.) To aid in the protection, preservation, and restoration of the natural environment of our nation’s major rivers and their watersheds.
2.) To expand awareness of environmental issues and responsibility encompassing our rivers.
3.) To create a desire and opportunity for citizens to take an active role in helping to make a cleaner river environment.
A one credit-hour course (SVL 101-02) will be taken in conjunction with ASB. The course requirements include two in-person meetings prior to the trip (February 27th and March 6th), participation on the trip, and a post-trip reflection paper.
The advisors for ASB are Lauren Hostetter (Coordinator, Student Engagement & SLiCE Advisor) and Sarah Tipton (Director, Student Engagement). Please contact Lauren at lauren.hostetter@heartland.edu for any questions.
Interested in Applying?
The application is now open! Click here to apply now.
Planning Ahead
Pre-Trip
Each applicant must attend an in-person interview before selection. After you've been selected to attend the trip, you should expect regular communication from the Student Engagement Office and Trip Advisors. You will be required to attend pre-trip meetings on February 27th & March 6th where we share additional trip information, meet the team, and share the packing list.
Cost
Each applicant will be enrolled by the Student Engagement Office into a one credit-hour course (SVL 101-02: Service Learning) and is responsible for the subsequent tuition and fees (tuition financial aid does apply). Transportation, lodging, and three meals per day will be provided. Additional spending money for souvenirs or personal snacks is encouraged.