Each year, students in the School of Computing and Information embark on a 10-day Alternative Spring Break trip where they travel to another country to complete technical skills-based service-learning projects that benefit the local community. They are joined by a group of non-SCI students in collaboration with the Office of PittServes. Previous trips have been made to Ecuador, with other international and domestic locations being scouted for future spring breaks.
Participation
To participate in alternative spring break, students must submit a formal application before applications are due, typically in October of the previous year. They will go through a thorough interview process and if selected, will need to submit a non-refundable deposit for the trip. All trip expenses are to be paid before January 1st. Funding may be available through SCI and/or Pitt depending on budgets. They will also participate in a series of trainings help prior to departure, most likely on Saturdays during the spring semester.
Expectations
Students are expected to represent the university in a dignified manner and respect the community they are engaging in. In order to prepare for the trip, students will attend 8-10 weeks of training sessions on topics such as power and privilege, asset-based community engagement, and the value of community engagement through direct service-learning projects.
While on the trip, students are expected to communicate with their staff chaperone if any issues arise immediately.
How to Apply
Alternative spring break is being paused for the 2023-2024 academic year. Please stay tuned for future trip information!
Trip Length
TBD
Applications
TBD
Information Sessions
TBD
Important Deadlines
TBD
For More Information
Students should contact Emily Bennett, SCI’s Manager of Experiential Learning.