General Information

This initiative is designed to provide 40 freshmen and sophomores with limited urban community service experience the opportunity to spend seven days in New York City, as part of a specially designed Alternative Spring Break Program. The Immersion Program was crafted so students would gain "hands-on" experience supporting community building and social-change efforts. Students also tour communities where bold new ideas in planning and development are materializing and meet with progressive leaders in non-profit organizations who are inspiring creative social change efforts. CUSP hopes that this brief experience will lead participants to pursue more in-depth service learning through the Undergraduate Summer Research Internship.

In recent years, this program involved students in a series of physical improvement, after school tutoring, and community outreach activities organized by the New York Mission Society and Covenant House. During the day, students engaged in volunteer activities at these two agencies. During the evenings, they explored NYC's various neighborhoods and met with several of New York City's senior policy makers.
 

Eligibility

To Apply
Information sessions are held each fall to publicize and recruit students for the following spring break. Applications, program deadlines, and other relevant information will be provided during the sessions. You may also stop by the Public Service Center to request an application and learn more about the program.

Costs
Participants are asked to pay a $70 non-refundable deposit to secure their place on a team. Those who are unable to pay the deposit can speak with the program's advisor, Joyce Muchan, to work out an alternative arrangement. In the event that full funding is not available, participants are expected to pay the remaining expenses.
 

For more information, stop by the Public Service Center at 200 Barnes Hall or visit their Web site.