Twenty-six Adelphi students will combine learning with making a difference this winter when they travel to Puerto Rico from January 7–January 11, 2019, to assist in the continuing relief efforts following Hurricane Maria.
Adelphi students in the Dominican Republic during Alternative Spring Break 2017
Twenty-six Adelphi students will combine learning with making a difference this winter when they travel to Puerto Rico from January 7–January 11, 2019, to assist in the continuing relief efforts following Hurricane Maria.
While in Puerto Rico, student volunteers will spend time at a local orphanage and school, in addition to assisting in hurricane relief projects. Service may change based on the need of the community when the group arrives. In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, killing thousands of people and devastating communities, many of which are still rebuilding and are in need of help.
Since 2008, Adelphi has offered students the chance to participate in alternative break programs during their winter or spring breaks. The programs are designed to give students the opportunity to engage in social awareness and action by participating in community service projects as they develop leadership skills and explore new cultures.
“We began offering alternative break programs to provide our students with opportunities to give back in meaningful ways, learn things about themselves and others, and experience a different culture, community and/or geographic location, ” said Jeffrey Kessler, assistant vice president and dean of student affairs. ” Just because students have a scheduled break from classes doesn’t mean they can’t do something worthwhile during that time.”
While students pay most of their own expenses, alternative break programs are partly underwritten by Adelphi’s Student Government Association (SGA) and Graduate Student Council. In addition, the SGA sponsors two undergraduate students by providing a scholarship for the full cost of the trip.
Most recently, students spent their alternative breaks volunteering in Houston for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and in San Francisco assisting in environmental projects, including restoring community spaces. Other past program locations have included New Orleans, South Florida, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Learn more about Adelphi University’s Alternative Break Programs.
For further information, please contact:
Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications Director
p – 516.237.8634
e – twilson@adelphi.edu