WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 1, approximately 1,300 students from Howard University will deploy to 22 cities across the country as part of the annual weeklong Alternative Spring Break (HUASB). In its 32nd iteration, Howard’s program is by far among the largest student-led collegiate spring break service initiatives in the country. Students will travel to big cities and small towns in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, as well as Washington, D.C. Guided by the theme, “Nurturing our Community: Planting Seeds of Hope for the Future,” students will collaborate with local organizations addressing violence prevention, housing stability, disaster relief, restorative justice, food stability, holistic wellness, environmental justice, youth empowerment, community development, and education.  

“HUASB is a learning lab that challenges students to grow as leaders and requires that they recommit to finding their purpose in the service of others,” said Rev. Bernard L. Richardson, Ph.D., (B.A.’75), Howard University’s Dean of the Chapel.  "The work that these students will be doing in the 22 communities during this critical time is so significant. I am constantly inspired by their perseverance and resilience.”  
Founded in 1994, Howard’s program is offered at no cost to students. It has been a service-learning model for other universities and has helped to uplift countless communities around the world. To activate the service projects, students collaborate with other students in the areas served, along with organizations such as Martha’s Table, Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, and the Salvation Army.

“Howard University's Alternative Spring Break program is a life changing experience for our student participants who come from different parts of the world and the communities they serve," said Joseph Dillard (B.A.’13, J.D.’16), Howard University’s Assistant Dean of the Chapel, who leads the HUASB program. “Our students go in thinking they are lending a helping hand but find out that serving others enriches them as well. HUASB furthers the University’s mission and motto: truth and service. During times of challenge there is no better way to bring people together than through service. Ultimately, HUASB is a bridge.”

Examples of service projects this year include:

Asheville, NC: Students will collaborate with nonprofits to engage in hands-on projects to help the community rebuild and recover from the lasting impact of Hurricane Helene. 
Tampa Bay, FL: Students will participate in park and beach clean-up efforts, contributing to environmental restoration and the preservation of natural spaces. 
Flint, MI: Students will deliver a presentation to Flint students focused on college readiness and social justice and assist in the advancement of food security and economic development.  
Buffalo, NY: Students will collaborate with nonprofits to help construct beds for children who do not have one of their own.  
Washington, D.C: Students will sort and organize donations at food banks and help with sustainable gardening on local farms to provide fresh produce to the underserved. 
“One of my proudest moments was seeing my site come to life last year as the Flint, Michigan, site coordinator for the Howard University Alternative Spring Break Program,” said Adrina Jean, speech pathology major and co-executive student director of HUASB. “Having a vision and seeing it through has always been how I express myself creatively, whether hosting a dinner party for my friends, planning a small-scale event, or something as big as HUASB,”“I was challenged in a way that I had never been before, and it shaped me into the leader I am today, which has opened up doors for me to assume the position I am as one of the co-executive student directors of the program.”

Unlike most Alternative Spring Breaks, HUASB is offered at no-cost to student participants, eliminating financial barriers and empowering the broadest possible swath of participants to lead and execute meaningful service projects, no matter their economic background.

“It gives me the opportunity to be part of a bigger change in the world, one step at a time. My previous experiences have been so impactful that I couldn’t help but come back year after year," said Chania Johnson, HUASB student leader. “Even though ASB lasts only a week, it reaffirms that this is the work I want to dedicate my life to.”  

In support of this monumental effort, Howard University students hosted their annual WHUR Radiothon on February 23, to help fund the trip. More than 500 students participated in the fundraising efforts, collecting from donors in person through a “bucket brigade” on bustling Georgia Ave, NW.    

For more information about Howard University’s Alternative Spring Break and a list of the 22 cities and service sites visit https://chapel.howard.edu/HUASB .

About Howard University

Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in awarding doctoral degrees to African American students. Howard is the top-ranked historically Black college or university (HBCU) according to Forbes and is the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, including the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 165 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu.