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 a challenge or issue experienced by the community they will serve in. Examples of community challenges and social 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.
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.
Not sure where to start? Do you have questions about ASB? Contact the ASB Program Team below.
Contact Us
Phone
Meet the ASB Program Team
Assistant Director for Civic and Community Engagement
919-515-8550 [email protected]
Senior, College of Engineering and College of Natural Resources
[email protected]Last Reviewed On: 8/8/2026