SAIL and the Honors Program are partnering for the 2025 Alternative Spring Break to make this year's event even more impactful.
Alternative Spring Break
March 9–15, 2025
What is Alternative Spring Break?
Alternative Spring Break provides a unique opportunity for Westfield students to engage in meaningful and impactful volunteer and community service projects during spring break.
Alternative Spring Break gives students the opportunity to make a difference in the surrounding communities. Participants efforts can directly contribute to positive change in the lives of others as well as the community. Participating in Alternative Spring break can be a profoundly rewarding experience, leaving a lasting impact on both you and the communities you serve.
Participants can make connections with individuals who share a passion for service and making a positive impact. Alternative spring break can lead to long lasting friendships and valuable networking opportunities. Whether you are bonding with fellow participants, achieving a shared goal, or exploring a new place, Alternative Spring Break offers memorable experiences and adventures.
Engaging in service-oriented projects can also enhance your resume. Employers value individuals who demonstrate social responsibility, teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Alternative Spring Break can help participants develop new skills, gain a deeper perspective on social issues, and enhance problem solving abilities.
If you are looking to...
- Make a positive impact on a community or cause
- Build connections and expand your network
- Experience personal growth
- Enhance your resume
- Earn 3 credits in an Honors Course (optional)
- Have fun
Alternative Spring Break is for you!
SAIL & Honors Program: Partnership Announcement
Earn 3 Credits with Alternative Spring Break: HNRS0390, Enrollment Open to All Students
Students who participate in a WSU sponsored service project over Spring Break can earn 3 credits by enrolling in "HNRS0390-H0B: Alternative Spring Break”. There are no restrictions on enrollment in this course; Honors students and non-Honors students can enroll!
The course (HNRS0390) is listed in Session B, which runs from March 17th – May 5th. Students enrolled in HNRS0390 will work asynchronously online (through PLATO) to complete a service-learning research project, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The research project should draw on the student’s experience during Spring Break, and may examine social, cultural, or economic factors impacting the community served. Students will present their service-learning research project in poster format at the Celebration of Undergraduate Research (CURCA).
Prerequisite: participation in a WSU sponsored Alternative Spring Break service-project during March 10-14, 2025.
Restrictions: None. Any student, in any class year, can enroll in this course.
Credits: All students earn 3 general elective credits for this course. A student does not need to be a member of the Honors Program to enroll. Honors students can apply these credits towards their Honors Program credit requirements.
To Enroll: Email Gretchen Konrad, Honors Program Administrative Assistant at gkonrad@westfield.ma.edu. In your email include your full name and A# with your registration request.
Schedule of Events
Join us for a transformative and fun-filled Alternative Spring Break experience! Choose between two impactful service projects—Girls Inc. of the Valley or Habitat for Humanity—where you'll make a difference in the community while building new skills and friendships. The schedule includes team-building activities, exciting after-hours events, and a day trip off-campus for some well-deserved fun. Reflect on the week’s experiences with a brunch and reflection session to wrap up your journey. Check out the full schedule below for more details!
Information Session – Monday, February 10, 6:00 PM
Location: Owls Nest
Join us for an informative session about the 2025 Alternative Spring Break! Learn about the exciting partnership between SAIL and the Honors Program, the service project options, how you can make a positive impact, and the opportunity to earn 3 credits in an Honors Course. This is your chance to get all the details and ask any questions about this transformative experience.
Welcome Dinner – Sunday, March 9, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meet as a team to review expectations, goals, and the schedule. Participate in a team-building activity.
Day Trip Off Campus – Saturday, March 15
Enjoy a day of fun! In the Alternative Spring Break Application, you will rank the following options:
Activity Options:
- Round 1 Bowling & Arcade
Round 1 Holyoke Mall - Yankee Candle Village & Butterfly Conservatory
- Thunderbirds Hockey Game
Springfield Thunderbirds
Brunch & Reflection – Sunday, March 16, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a relaxing brunch followed by a reflection session to discuss the experiences and insights gained throughout the week.
Girls Inc. of the Valley – Service Project
Monday, March 10 – Friday, March 14
Participants will help prepare for a fundraiser event called Spirit of Girls. This includes stuffing envelopes, creating centerpieces, and helping with decorations during the mornings of both days. Participants will then interact and engage with Girls Inc. participants in the afternoon.
Learn more about Girls Inc. of the Valley.
Schedule
| 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:15 AM | 9:45 AM | Van Ride to Girls Inc of the Valley |
| 10:00 AM | 1:00 PM | Girls Inc of the Valley |
| 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | Girls Inc of the Valley |
| 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM | Van Ride back to campus |
| 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM | Spring Break After Hours (see below) |
Habitat for Humanity – Service Project
Monday, March 10 – Friday, March 14
Depending on the weather, participants will be working in the warehouse or on-site creating frames, working with concrete (making, pouring, etc.). Participants will need to sign a waiver provided by Habitat for Humanity. They will be working with trained professionals, and safety guidelines will be discussed at the beginning of the day.
Learn more about Habitat for Humanity Greater Springfield.
Schedule
| 6:45 AM | 7:45 AM | Breakfast |
| 7:45 AM | 8:15 AM | Van Ride to Habitat for Humanity |
| 8:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Habitat for Humanity |
| 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Habitat for Humanity |
| 3:30 PM | 4:00 PM | Van Ride back to campus |
| 5:00PM | 7:00PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM | Spring Break After Hours (see below) |
Spring Break After Hours
Monday, March 10 – Friday, March 14
| Monday, March 10 | Movie Marathon |
| Tuesday, March 11 | Game-a-Palooza |
| Wednesday, March 12 | Unplug & Unwind |
| Thursday, March 13 | Colorful Creations |
| Friday, March 14 | The Finish Line Kits |
Ready to Apply?
Contact Us
Ashley Ewick