Spring 2017
Alternative Break Application
(Please note that this packet is double sided)
In partnership with the national service organization Break Away, we do our part to connect students to
service opportunities across the country and around the world. Whether their interest is in politics,
health care, education, sustainability, poverty, or emergency aid, and whether the community they wish
to serve is local, regional, national, or international, we have an opportunity that will match students’
personal passions with a community’s needs.
Alternative Spring Break service trip April 8-15, 2016 will be related to the CCBC community bookBetween The World And Me. The key aspects that span across all of our service trips is our mission – as a
program we aim to provide experiences that are educational and cultural, and to promote active
citizenship among CCBC students, faculty, and staff. Our philosophy is that a quality civic engagement
experience, particularly an immersion experience, must involve:
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strong direct service to address unmet community needs
broad education and deep reflection about social issues facing communities
exposure to the character and culture of the communities in which we service
AB Program Information
About Alternative Breaks:
What is an Alternative Break?
It’s just that—an alternative…an alternative to taking a break from school and relaxing. It is participants
taking a week of their summer or their whole spring break to do service away from their community to
connect with other trip members and learn. They learn about the global environment and how they can
make an impact. They gain a cultural perspective through significant interactions with people from local
societies. They work hard and push their personal boundaries—and in the end, they don’t want to leave.
Alternative Breaks:
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Involve participants in community-based service projects
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Give participants opportunities to learn about the realities faced by members of communities
with whom they otherwise may have had little or no direct contact.
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Provide skills that lead to enhanced esteem and self-efficacy
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Connect students to peers and college community
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Students earn trip funding through group fundraising
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Who attends?
CCBC students of all majors, backgrounds and matriculation levels have attended breaks. Business,
nursing, psychology, pre-med, engineering and sign language interpreting represent just a few.
Inevitably on every trip we have at least one student experiencing their first flight—some even their first
journey outside of the immediate Baltimore area. This is why it is so crucial to us that our breaks remain
affordable for our students.
Our approach is deeply rooted in Break Away’s “Active Citizen Continuum” and “Eight Components of a
Quality Break Program,” which include:
 Strong Direct Service
 Education (issue specific)
 Orientation (site specific)
 Training (skills-hard and soft)
 Reflection
 Diversity & Social Justice (in issue choice as well as participation)
 Reorientation
 Alcohol & Drug Free
What is the cost?
Group members pay individual payments totaling $250 and participate in group fundraising in the amount of
$3000. All other expenses are paid.
Metro Detroit, Michigan
This spring break, CCBC students and faculty will be traveling up north to Detroit, Michigan. Generations
of mishandling wealth, corrupt politicians, racial tensions, and the automobile industry collapse has
caused Detroit to not only become a disaster, but a poster child for economic depression. Many families
are attempting to survive on cheap labor but aren’t making it. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
more than 25% of Detroit’s families survive on less than $15,000 a year. The 19% unemployment rate is
almost triple the national average. In 1930, Detroit was the fastest growing city in the world—
comparatively; since the 1950’s Detroit’s population has decreased by half. It is estimated that over
100,000 lots have been deserted along the city’s streets and most of the vacant homes have been
destroyed. Naturally, Forbes has named this city to be one of the most dangerous cities for the fifth year
in a row with the increasing crime rate. However, what Forbes and the media fail to mention is the
unique art work throughout the city and the compelling pride the citizens of Detroit have.
During spring break 2017, we will be working with Cass Community Social Services, a non-profit that
assists people living in areas of concentrated poverty by offering food, housing, healthcare, and jobs.
Cass prepares and serves a million meals per year, while providing shelter and affordable housing.
Additionally, Cass offers both a free medical clinic and medication monitoring for residents. In line with
its mission, Cass’s slogan is fighting poverty, creating opportunity. As volunteers, we will be living and
eating at Cass while assisting them however we can throughout the day (cleaning rooms of residents,
organizing and sorting documents, serving food, building/construction, etc.).
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ASB Expectations
What You Can Expect
In order for us to fulfill our program’s mission and goals, it is imperative that all participants fully engage
in all aspects of their service trip. Being an AB participant requires time, energy, and commitment,
including meeting requirements before, during, and after the service trip. Below are details about what
we expect of AB volunteers, and what AB volunteers can expect of us:
We Will Expect That You…
● Attend all required pre-trip activities/meetings to get acquainted with your group and gain
experience with your issue, including education, orientation, and training specific to your service
trip
● Actively participate in pre-trip Fundraising Events with your group to assist in covering the cost
of the trip
● Attend a required post-trip meeting that will include a reunion and reorientation
● Fully engage in all aspects of your service trip, including service, reflection, and activities
● Respect others in your group and be willing to cooperate in a group in setting
● Remain flexible, open-minded, and responsible as a representative of the college
● Adhere to all CCBC and Alternative Breaks program policies during your trip
● Will not use or condone the use of alcohol and/or drugs during the experience
● Participate in any necessary skills training to prevent injuries to yourself, group members and
agency clients
● Commit to staying within the group for the entire week, to strengthen the sense of community
and trust, even through adversity
● Refrain from the use of technology throughout the trip; laptop computers, tablets and
headphones limit person to person interaction and therefore are not permitted
● Obtain your passport, visa, travel insurance, and/or health insurance prior to your trip (as
applicable)
In Return, You Can Expect To…
● Receive direction and support from our program in the form of training and resources prior to
your trip
● Receive transportation, lodging, meals, activities, and materials associated with your trip (allinclusive)
● Be educated about your trip location and host site, as well as the specific issue(s) your trip will
address
● Gain knowledge and know-how through hands-on training and direct service on your trip
● Develop leadership skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
● Get connected to future opportunities to serve following your trip
● Make lasting memories and gain strong friendships
● Gain a strong sense of identity and self
● Have FUN!
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Thank you for reading the Alternative Spring
Break Information Packet. After you complete
the application and reference forms, please be
environmentally friendly and share the
information with a friend.
If there is not an application attached to this
packet, please contact Student Life for a copy
of the application and reference forms.
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2017 Alternative Spring Break Participant Application
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Applications due to any Student Life office no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 13, 2017.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee including a student AB coordinator-if you
have concerns regarding this, please contact Dell Hagan Rhodes directly.
Every applicant has the opportunity to interview. The group interview process will take place
in January. At the discretion of the selection committee, an individual interview may be
requested in addition to the group interview. The group interview is mandatory-exception
may be made for limited circumstances.
Basic Information
Name: ________________________________ Phone: ______________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: ____________
Email Address: ______________________________________________________
Student ID Number: _______________________Date of Birth: _______________
Campus (circle one):
Dundalk
Essex
Catonsville
Extension Center
Expected Graduation Date: _______________________ Shirt Size: ___________
Written Responses
Please type your responses to the following questions on a separate sheet of paper and attach
these to your application. Be sure to put your name on each page of your responses. Please limit
responses to 2-3 paragraphs per question.
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What do you see as your role in creating social change?
If selected to participate in the ASB, how do you anticipate carrying forward the things
that you learned when you return?
How are you currently engaged in social change in your own life as a volunteer, mentor,
or citizen?
References
Please see attached instructions and forms. Two sealed references should be submitted before
or at the time of your application. At least one reference should be from a CCBC faculty
member or administrator.
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2017 Alternative Spring Break Participant Application
COMMITMENT:
Being an Alternative Break participant requires time, energy, and commitment. By
signing this statement, I am agreeing to invest that time, energy and commitment if
selected to be an Alternative Break participant. I will attend Alternative Break events,
including group meetings, fundraisers, and the retreat. Overall Alternative Break policy
states that if I miss two meetings, I may not be able to attend the Alternative Spring
Break. The dates and times of all meetings and the retreat will be shared with me prior
to my commitment to the Break.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________
FULL DISCLOSURE:
By signing as an applicant for Alternative Break, I hereby give permission for the CCBC
administration to check my academic, judicial, and public records that may be seen as
relevant to ensure the safety and security of myself and the group with which I am
traveling. I recognize that any information that is received as a result of the
aforementioned will be handled in the strictest of confidence and with the utmost
discretion. Further, discoveries will not necessarily preclude participation but will
warrant a conversation with the Dean of College Life.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ______________
ALCOHOL/DRUG FREE POLICY:
Alternative Break is an alcohol and drug free program. This is done in order to achieve
the program’s goals and objectives. This is also required for the safety and well being of
all participants, the group, and the community in which they are serving. As such,
students are not to possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs
while participating in Alternative Break. Should this policy be violated, the participant
will be asked to leave the trip and will be responsible for making his/her own
arrangements and paying for the trip home. In the event that the violation is discovered
post-trip, the participant will be billed to reimburse the trip cost, and will be expected to
make formal apologies to the host site, their fellow participants and leaders. All
violators will not be accepted back into the program during their duration at CCBC.
Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________
If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please
contact Dell Hagan Rhodes at [email protected] or 443-840-1522.
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CCBC Spring 2017
Alternative Break
Applicant Reference Form
After completing the section below, please give this form to a CCBC faculty or administration member, or
a job/volunteer supervisor who can accurately describe you. Reference must be returned sealed.
Applicant Name: ________________________________ ID Number: _______________
Applicant Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________________
CCBC Student Life finds evaluation forms helpful in choosing our Alternative Break participants among
highly qualified applicants. You are encouraged to keep this form private and submit your references
promptly. Feel free to return to student sealed or send directly to any Student Life office.
Background Information:
How long have you known this student and in what context?
______________________________________________________________________________
What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?
______________________________________________________________________________
Ratings:
Poor
Satisfactory
Good
Excellent
Quality of work/service
Willingness to Work
Cooperative Attitude
Acceptance of Feedback
Takes Initiative
Works well with others
Punctuality & Dependability
Reaction to Setbacks
OVERALL
Additional Comments: Please feel free to write on back of this form or attach separate sheet.
Evaluator’s Name: __________________________________ Email: ___________________
Evaluator’s Signature: _______________________________ Date: ____________________
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Additional Comments?
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CCBC Spring 2017
Alternative Break
Applicant Reference Form
After completing the section below, please give this form to a CCBC faculty or administration member, or
a job/volunteer supervisor who can accurately describe you. Reference must be returned sealed.
Applicant Name: ________________________________ ID Number: _______________
Applicant Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________________
CCBC Student Life finds evaluation forms helpful in choosing our Alternative Break participants among
highly qualified applicants. You are encouraged to keep this form private and submit your references
promptly. Feel free to return to student sealed or send directly to any Student Life office.
Background Information:
How long have you known this student and in what context?
______________________________________________________________________________
What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?
______________________________________________________________________________
Ratings:
Poor
Satisfactory
Good
Excellent
Quality of work/service
Willingness to Work
Cooperative Attitude
Acceptance of Feedback
Takes Initiative
Works well with others
Punctuality & Dependability
Reaction to Setbacks
OVERALL
Additional Comments: Please feel free to write on back of this form or attach separate sheet.
Evaluator’s Name: __________________________________ Email: ___________________
Evaluator’s Signature: _______________________________ Date: ____________________
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Additional Comments?
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