During Spring Break 2025, approximately 1,300 students from Howard University took the university’s motto of “truth and service” on the road, traveling to 22 cities across the country as part of Howard’s annual weeklong Alternative Spring Break (HUASB).

Celebrating its 32nd year, HUASB participants served in both large cities, including Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Louis, as well as smaller towns like Williston, South Carolina. Their initiatives spanned various areas, including youth empowerment, restorative justice, disaster relief, community development, and more. Collectively, Howard University students committed over 150,000 hours of service throughout the week. Some students were 

The theme for this year’s HUASB, "Nurturing Our Community: Planting Seeds of Hope for the Future," underscores the more than three decades of service Howard students have dedicated to communities both locally and globally through HUASB.

Howard University students partnered with local schools, churches, community organizations, after-school programs, food banks, advocacy groups, and more in the following cities: Aiken, SC; Asheville, NC; Albany, GA; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Buffalo, NY; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Flint, MI; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Nashville, TN; Philadelphia, PA; Savannah, GA; St. Louis, MO; Tampa, FL; Trenton, NJ; Washington, DC; and Williston, SC. 

Howard University Alternative Spring Break (HUASB) students designed or participated in initiatives focused on community development, education, disaster relief, environmental justice, food stability, housing stability, restorative justice, violence prevention, youth empowerment, and youth holistic wellness. 

Here's a look at the impact of Howard students all around the nation.

● 
AIKEN/WILLISTON SOUTH CAROLINA: 
Homework Help, Cafeteria Work, Hurricane Relief, Community Development, and Violence Prevention 

Howard University student's volunteered at Aiken, South Carolina's Horse Creek Academy during spring break by mentoring students, helping with school projects, and taking part in community outreach. HU Alternative Spring Break participants helped the elementary school students with homework, helped organize the school's book fair, and worked in the cafeteria. Along the way, they inspired the younger students to pursue college. Howard students also worked with Tall Pine STEM Academy, Horse Creek Academy, and Oakwood-Windsor Elementary to assist teachers in the classroom, helping out in the Canteen, and supporting the beautification team with projects around campus. In addition, the Howard students helped in the clean up and repair from damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Howard students also partnered with Project V.I.S.I.O.N who provides low income disabled and senior citizens who are owner-occupant homeowners with essential home repairs to build a wheelchair ramp, complete yard work, and paint to improve accessibility and enhance the community. In nearby Williston, South Carolina, Howard students served as teacher aids and created presentations about college, life skills, making good choices, and other topics to school children at Williston Elko Middle School, Guinyard-Butler Middle School, Kelly Edwards Elementary School, Barnwell Primary School, Barnwell Elementary School, and Williston Elko High School. 

• WATCH: HUASB's Aiken/Williston recap on Instagram. 

●
ALBANY, GEORGIA:
Tutoring and Guiding Elementary School Students

Seventeen Howard University students gave back to younger students at Albany, Ga.'s Robert Harvey Elementary School by tutoring in mathematics, STEM, and arts and crafts. Harvey is one of the fastest improving schools in Georgia and was recently removed from the state's list of schools in need of major comprehensive support through a strong focus on academic success and community engagement. Howard students also volunteered at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School, Northside Elementary School, Sherwood Acres Elementary School, and Turner Elementary School where they assisted teachers by leading small groups and helping to teach in a variety of subjects from STEM, social studies, and arts and crafts. 

● 
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: 
Disaster relief and Hurricane Helene recovery.

In Asheville, North Carolina, Howard students helped repair the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, working with community members and local nonprofits such Equal Plates. They helped prepare and portion meals for local individuals and families. Additionally, they repaired fencing and took part in park and beach cleanups, supporting the preservation of natural spaces in the area. Participants also volunteered at Asheville PEAK Academy, Asheville High School, and Ira A. Jones Elementary School where they read to students, helped with tutoring, gave presentations on college readiness, handling stress, and positive mental health practices. Howard students also served at Reynolds High School where they participated in nine workshops centered on a specific theme over four days and collaborated with ACRHS Black Student Union students to lead these sessions effectively. Participants also assisted the afterschool program and engaged in activities with My Daddy Taught Me That which is a a program designed to support the development, uplift, and education of youth and young males and help them transition from into responsible young men. Howard students also served at Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church with First Lady Mrs. Belinda K Grant of Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church where they assisted her in her role as Chief Executive Officer of Mount Zion community development, inc. Howard students also went to Sunday service and had dinner twice with Mt. Zion. 

• WATCH: HUASB's Asheville recap on Instagram. 

● 
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: 
Restorative Justice and Youth Empowerment

 In Baltimore, Maryland, Howard students assisted in a church community called "THE MIX" which is collection of people from all different backgrounds, races, and socio-economic journeys who come together to pursue a passionate purpose by providing soups and sandwiches to three local areas and serving grab-n-go bags as part of our ongoing efforts to support the unhoused community. Students provided soups and sandwiches to three local areas and serving grab-n-go bags as part of our ongoing efforts to support the unhoused community. THE MIX is a collection of people from all different backgrounds, races, and socio-economic journeys who come together to pursue a passionate purpose. Howard students also volunteered at Baybrook Elementary School, Walter P. Carter Elementary School, Maryanne Winterling Elementary School, Harlem Park Elementary School, Reginald F. Lewis High School, and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School where they tutored students, provided mentorship and assisted with projects around the school. 

● 
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: 
Food Stability and Education

 In Birmingham, Alabama, Howard students assisted UAB Live Health Smart with their mobile wellness van and helped facilitate mobile markets that handed out groceries to elderly in addition to helping assist with their food pantry. Participants also worked with Girls Inc. an organization that teaches young girls to learn to value themselves, take risks, and discover and develop their inherent strengths by providing long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming. Howard students provided mentorship to empower young girls, fostering confidence and leadership skills. Additionally, they led programming on living healthy lifestyles and contribute to projects, such as gardening and outdoor maintenance to promote sustainability. 

●
BUFFALO, NEW YORK:
Housing Stability and Building Beds

In Buffalo, New York, Howard University students partnered with Habitat for Humanity and Sleep in Heavenly Peace to support home-building efforts and make sure that children have a secure and comfortable place to sleep each night. HU students constructed twin-sized beds, performing sanding, stamping, drilling, assembling, and staining work for each bed’s components. Participants

●
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:
Community Development and Youth Empowerment

In Charleston, South Carolina, Howard University students partnered with Kids on Point to provide academic support, homework assistance, individual tutoring, study skills development and  college and career readiness programs to kids from under-resourced neighborhoods. 

WATCH: HUASB's Charleston recap on Instagram.

●
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA:
Restorative Justice Through Accountability and Rehabilitation

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Howard University students championed restorative justice by partnering with local organizations to facilitate dialogue and healing for individuals affected by crime and systemic inequalities. Through workshops and mentorship programs, they empowered youth to embrace accountability and rehabilitation, fostering a deeper sense of justice and equity.

“People don't realize that these things are luxuries. Being able to take a hot shower with soap and water is a luxury.” 

“People don't realize that these things are luxuries. Being able to take a hot shower with soap and water is a luxury,” Howard University Sophomore Bijou-Elyse Wallace told WFAE."Being able to have a hot meal at night is a luxury, so being able to give back and being able to give these things to people who might not have them is very important.” 

• WATCH: HUASB's Charlotte recap on Instagram.
• LISTEN: NPR WFAE 90.7- Howard students trade traditional spring break for a trip to Charlotte to help those in need

● 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: 
Community Development and Education

In Chicago, Illinois, Howard students put on their farming hats in a local urban farm to help create a more just and equitable food system through urban agriculture through the Urban Growers Collective.

●
CLEVELAND, OHIO:
Community Development and Youth Empowerment 

In Cleveland, Ohio, Howard students volunteered at the local Salvation Army students oversaw facility maintenance through cleaning, organization, and pantry restocking to ensure a well-kept and functional environment. They also partnered with the City Mission of Cleveland, which provides shelter and services for unhoused women. HUASB students helped to organize toiletries and hygiene items, in addition to assisting with cleaning. Across town, students packaged food in collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to be distributed to more 7,000 people.

●
DETROIT, MICHIGAN:
Food Stability and Youth Holistic Wellness 

In Detroit, Michigan, Howard students volunteered in the study lounge, providing homework support in a structured learning environment, and help in the athletics department to keep students motivated. They collaborated with the volunteer coordinator and manager to develop programs tailored for high school students.

●
FLINT, MICHIGAN:
Youth Empowerment, Beautification, and Social Justice

"Being from an underserved community, I understand the importance of having role models that you can look up to,” Howard University junior Saskia Ivery told MLive. ”Sometimes it’s weird to find that in these underserved communities, these kids don’t have anywhere to look up.

Being from an underserved community, I understand the importance of having role models that you can look up to.”

For nearly a decade, HUASB has partnered with the Flint Center for Educational Excellence in Flint, Michigan. Howard students spent a week mentoring and educating local students through social justice presentations, beautification projects, after-school program support, and food pantry assistance in partnership with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club. They also participated in panel discussions about life at HBCUs and college preparation, inspiring the next generation of scholars. 

Read: MLive | Howard University students volunteer at Flint schools for spring break

●
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE:
Community Development and Youth Empowerment 

In Memphis, Tennessee, Howard students were able to create an unmatched experience where local students could interact within a simulated economy and take on the challenge of managing businesses. These included business functionalities and skills such as invoicing, budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, business loans. Memphis students not only discovered the

intricacies of jobs and being members of the community but also discovered the abundance of opportunities available within their home city or surrounding area.

●
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN:
Violence Prevention Through Postive Reinforcement

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Howard University students worked to raise awareness, empower youth, and support educational initiatives to build safer communities. Through partnerships with schools and community groups, they provided tutoring and delivered presentations on healthy habits, mental health, and conflict resolution, promoting overall well-being and personal growth.

WATCH: HUASB's Milwaukee recap on Instagram. 

●
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE:
Community Development and Youth Empowerment 

In Nashville, Tennessee, Howard students engaged in leadership activities and college discussions for students, while actively participating in classroom activities. Stratford STEM Magnet High School is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) school that offers a supportive environment for students to learn what it means to be in high school. While there, HU students worked with facility members to help with course work, to help with college preparation, and to provide mentorship.

●
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA:
Educating and Mentoring

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Howard students mentored and collaborated with local students in the classroom at schools like KIPP Preparatory Academy, offering guidance and support to foster academic growth and development. They also led a 45-minute lesson on their majors and hosted a college and career panel, featuring a Q&A about Howard University. 

WATCH: HUASB's Philadelphia recap on Instagram. 

●
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA:
Environmental Justice: Seeding Sustainable Farming

In Savannah, Georgia, Howard students collaborated with local organizations, including the West Broad YMCA to support the deconstruction, salvage, and reuse of historic buildings. They helped rebuild a community chicken coop, renovate a community barn, and launch a community garden, contributing to environmental sustainability and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

WATCH: HUASB's Savannah recap on Instagram. 

●
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI:
Community Development and Youth Empowerment 

In St. Louis, Missouri, Howard students volunteered at Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) in St. Louis to offer a unique opportunity that made a lasting difference in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. Alongside Covenant House Missouri, Howard students assisted in providing shelter, support, and guidance to youth ages 16 to 24 who are facing housing instability, helping them rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

WATCH: HUASB's St. Louis recap on Instagram. 

●
TAMPA, FLORIDA:
Disaster Relief and Housing Stability 

In Tampa, Florida, Howard students participated in park and beach clean-up efforts, contributing to environmental restoration and the preservation of natural spaces.

WATCH: HUASB's St. Louis recap on Instagram. 

●
TRENTON, NEW JERSEY:
Youth Holistic Wellness Through Test Preparation, Guidance, and Inspiration

In Trenton, New Jersey, a new HUASB location, Howard students visited Joyce Kilmer Middle School, Parker Elementary School, Trenton Central High School, and Capital City High School. In the afternoons, they spent time at the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County, offering counseling, guidance, and educational support to local youth.

"We had a fantastic experience interacting with students. At Trenton High we helped students prepare for tests, and, even had lunch with them. I enjoyed many conversations." -Howard University junior Trinity Colbert to the Trentonian

●
WASHINGTON, D.C.:
Community Development, Healthy Living, and Educational Support for Kids

In Washington, D.C., Howard students offered tutoring, academic support, and panels on college life to create a supportive and enriching learning environment at local D.C. high schools. Additionally, they contributed to farm maintenance by planting, watering, and harvesting fresh produce, while also promoting food security, environmental awareness, and healthy living initiatives. They partnered with organizations such as Bread for the City.

WATCH: HUASB's Washington, D.C. recap on Instagram. 

MORE COVERAGE