The University of Delaware Alternative Breaks program (UDaB) reminds undergraduate students that 2017 spring break trip applications are due by Friday, Oct. 7.

Students should apply online by no later than 11:59 p.m. that day.

The UDaB program offers students the opportunity to engage in service learning activities during spring and winter breaks. Participants immerse themselves in the communities that they are assisting, increasing their knowledge of society and encouraging long-term active citizenship.

Through UDaB, students recognize that they, too, benefit from giving service to others. "Over the past three years this program has given me the knowledge and tools to look at the world through a different lens,” exercise science major Patrick Biche said, adding, “and understand the social justice issues that are present in our society.”

As the impact of UDaB is felt across campus, its popularity among UD undergrads has increased.

According to Maggie Kmetz, public policy and women's studies double major, the number of program participants has grown exponentially over the past six years. In 2011, UDaB piloted its first program sending 92 students and 12 students leaders to five communities. Just last year, UDaB sent 350 participants on 16 alternative break programs.

UDaB will expand its spring break offerings again this year, with 20 trips led by 43 site leaders for more than 550 participants.

Those who are chosen to lead programs have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the program. Beginning as a participant, Kmetz traveled to Vineland, New Jersey, during spring break 2014 to work with Habitat for Humanity. She later became a site leader on trips to Washington, D.C., to work with Bright Beginnings and to Holly Springs, Mississippi, to work with the National Relief Network (NRN).

This year’s participants will be invited to apply for leadership roles at the end of the academic year.

"UDaB has been an integral part of my college career and I cannot imagine life at UD without it," said Kmetz. “The people that I have met over the years are some of the most dedicated and inspirational people that I have ever worked with.”

Kmetz added that her experiences with UDaB have also shaped her future career goals.

For more information about UDaB, visit the program's new website or contact the program coordinator, Karen Lundin.