Alternative Service Break
Join a high-impact learning experience designed to engage directly with communities around the world.
Make a positive impact, locally and globally.
The Alternative Service Break (ASB) program is a unique, high-impact learning experience in which our teams engage in direct service to a community while being immersed in their culture and daily life. Before, throughout, and after their travels, team members participate in a variety of cultural, educational, recreational, and reflective activities to enhance their service experience.
During the four academic breaks (Fall, Winter, Spring, and May), our teams serve in North Carolina, across the United States, and around the world. Their service and education are focused on an issue experienced by the community they will be serving in. Examples of community issues include water quality and access, housing revitalization, STEM education, coastal conservation, housing and food insecurity, public health, ecotourism, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Our teams are led by student Team Leaders and accompanied by faculty or staff Advisors. Each team spends extensive time prior to traveling planning for their experience, teambuilding, and studying the scope of their impact in the communities they will engage with.
Program Goals of ASB
- To help develop and enhance a value for public service and civic engagement among students.
- To provide the opportunity for cultural immersion and exploration of political and economic systems.
- To help students explore beyond their own lived experiences.
- To provide opportunities for students to reflect on their roles in a global community.
- To provide an opportunity to interact with new individuals and communities and practice communicating in another language and place.
- To help students identify ways to apply what they learned to their own communities.
Ready to be a changemaker?
The application process and timeline can vary depending on which ASB Experience you are applying for. We recommend reviewing the dates and deadlines below for the experience you are most interested in.
Fall Break 2026 Experiences
- Trip Application
- Opens July 31, 2026
- Due September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Travel Award Application
- Opens July 31, 2026
- Due September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Winter Break 2026 Experiences
- Trip Application
- Opens July 31, 2026
- Due September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Travel Award Application
- Opens July 31, 2026
- Due September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Spring Break 2027 Experiences
- Trip Application
- Opens August 31, 2026
- Due September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Travel Award Application
- Opens August 31, 2026
- Due September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
May Break 2027 Experiences
- Trip Application
- Dates and deadlines will be posted in fall 2026
- Travel Award Application
- Dates and deadlines will be posted in fall 2026
Applying for an ASB can be a competitive process. To set yourself up for success, we recommend thoroughly reviewing each experience, including the anticipated dates, estimated costs, and example service activities and lodging, as well as submitting your application early.
Information Sessions
As part of the application process, all applicants are required to attend an ASB Information Session to learn more about the ASB program and our experiences, as well as your time and financial commitments if chosen for an ASB.
Fall and Winter Breaks 2026 Information Sessions
- Tuesday, August 18, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Talley Student Union Room 3223
- Wednesday, August 26, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in Talley Student Union Room 3221
- Friday, August 28, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Talley Student Union Room 3221
- Monday, August 31, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Talley Student Union Room 3221
Spring Break 2027 Information Sessions
- Dates and times for Spring Break 2027 Information Sessions will be posted in July 2026.
May Break 2027 Information Sessions
- Dates and times for May Break 2027 Information Sessions will be posted in fall 2026.
Concerned about paying for an ASB Experience?
We seek to remove barriers to students’ participation in the ASB program, and there are several avenues to address financial barriers.
SLE Travel Awards
Student Leadership and Engagement has offered limited travel awards to students via an application process. These awards are designed to offset the overall cost of an Alternative Service Break experience.
College of Engineering Students
COE Program Enhancement Fee-paying students whose majors are part of the College of Engineering may have the opportunity to receive some financial support for the transportation expenses portion of their ASB Experience cost, depending on funding availability.
Still concerned about how to pay?
Please contact our team if you are still concerned or have questions about paying for an ASB Experience.
Got questions? We have answers.
Connect with our ASB team below or via email at sle-alternativeservicebreak@ncsu.edu.
Assistant Director for Civic and Community Engagement
919-515-8550 h_andrews@ncsu.edu