Alternative Spring Break
Coming Soon: 2026 Alternative Spring Break
The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program provides students the opportunity to spend the week of spring break engage in an public service experience while increasing their understanding of significant social and civic engagement problems.
Trip participants attend a weekly seminar before the trip to prepare for their service experience. The seminar will include team expectations, trip overview, travel information, and team-building activities. During the trip, students participate in all educational activities, daily reflection activities, and evening group activities at the site.
Please note that all trainings/orientation sessions are mandatory and in-person.
Washington, D.C. Experience
The CU Denver Alternative Spring Break Program traveled to Washington, D.C., where seven students explored the Capitol, different museums, and volunteered to give back to the community.
Participants received a private tour of the Library of Congress with special passes to enter the House of Representatives and the Senate Chambers. Participants also had the opportunity to meet with Senator Michael Bennet’s assistant to talk about internship opportunities.
Students learned more about our government, the history, and the process of how the government operates. Students asked many clarifying questions and reflected on our Nation’s government responsibilities.
Participants volunteered their time in the morning at Thrive D.C. which is a non-profit organization that strives to provide vulnerable individuals with comprehensive services to help stabilize their lives, in Washington, D.C. services include donations, showers & laundry, warm meals, mail, and more!
Participants had the opportunity to give back to the community by serving a hot meal to 108 clients. They reflected on giving back the dignity of the person and had their perspective change on the way homelessness is experienced.
Participants walked through the historic Smithsonian to learn about African American history, the start of slavery, the civil rights movement, and how African Americans’ culture influenced today’s society.
Participants learned new aspects of slavery and the civil rights movement as well as historic moments in history that shape policy in our government. Students reflected on how community fights for rights when freedom is not free for all.
March 23 - Travel Day
March 24 - Washington, D.C. Tour Day
- Tour of the Capital
- Tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
March 25 - Volunteer & Cultural Exploration Day
- Volunteer with Thrive D.C.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
March 26 - Explore D.C. with a Choose Your Own Adventure Afternoon
- Visit Memorials and Monuments
- Visit the White House
- Choose a Museum to explore with reflection to discuss after
March 27 - Final Day in Washington, D.C.
- Travel back to Denver
Trip Total Cost: $450
What is included in this cost?
- Round-trip travel to Washington, D.C. from Denver
- Lodging for the entire week.
- Meals during the trip.
- Educational and cultural experiences.
- Community service opportunities.
Payment Installments (If not paying in full)*
First Payment of $225 due on February 28
Second Payment of $225 due on March 14
*Fundraising opportunities available
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“We need to engage with our community and share our knowledge, as many people are often unaware of how they can contribute to creating change.”
“After this trip, I hope to continue my ongoing community service projects, as well as continue to be an advocate for my communities. Whether that means staying informed, building strong communities, being politically engaged and or showing up for others.”
“I learned [at Thrive D.C.] the importance of seeing someone as a person above anything else."