UC Irvine's Alternative Break Program

The Alternative Break Program offered here at UC Irvine places teams of college students from various back grounds, majors, and walks of life in communities to engage in community service and experiential learning during their Winter and Spring Breaks. Students learn from a variety of issues from literacy, poverty, racism, homelessness and hunger. Sponsored by the Cross-Cultural Center (CCC) on campus the trip also incorporates the six values of the CCC: Activism, Community, Education, Empowerment, Diversity and Social Justice. The intensity of the experience increases the likelihood that participants will transfer the lessons learned on-site back to their own communities even after the alternative break ends. Plus, it's super fun!

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UC Irvine’s Alternative Spring Break got featured in two newspaper articles in Arizona!!!:D<3
- 3 weeks ago
Arizona: Realities of Injustice

Dates: March 23- March 30

*****I DO NOT OWN THIS MUSIC**********

Las Cafeteras- La Bamba Rebelde
Joshua Tree - Recycled Art

Some thought provoking recycled art that we saw at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum. An interesting message to consider, and also one that tied in with several themes throughout the trip. Environmental themes, of course, but also value. Land use, urbanization, and consumerism all operate on a different and complex set of values. What are your values? What influences them?
Introducing the Joshua Tree team! What an amazing group of intelligent, compassionate, and fun people! Photo taken on the last full day (Thursday, March 28) in the Pinto Basin. Joshua Tree National Park is divided into two regions based on high and low elevation - with each region experiencing variations in flora and fauna as a result. One of the major environmental concerns in the Pinto Basin is Sahara Mustard Seed - an invasive species brought over from Africa. The mustard seed is able to reproduce and spread at an alarming rate, providing a real problem for the native species the park works to protect. Thursday’s job was part of an ongoing effort to identify and remove the Sahara Mustard Seed before the plants reach maturity and begin spreading seeds in late Spring.
- 1 month ago
Arizona: Realities of Injustice

On the second to last day we went on a hike. It was tough. Really tough. It was extremely hot and many of us were out of breath. But, as we hiked, we remembered that this recreational hike is nothing compared to those crossing through the desert border region. We acknowledged that we come from a place of privilege and that we as university students hike for recreational purposes while those with no other options must go through similar terrains in order to survive. Our team was super critical and we also had discussions and reflections that were on point!
- 1 month ago
Arizona: Realities of Injustice

Thank you Carl Hayden! We love you so much! Thank you for everything. Truly from the bottom of our hearts we thank you. Hopefully the next time we visit there will be flowers and vegetables in your garden bed :)
Arizona: Realities of Injustice

Lytia Lai and Jena Pope bonding with the kids! Although many kids were shy at first they really opened up to us.
Arizona: Realities of Injustice

Margarita Palafox repainting the slide for the little ones at Carl Hayden! We also pulled weeds and picked up trash in order to provide a safe and clean space for the kids.
Arizona: Realities of Injustice

The liddo ones were really hyper! Ha! Needles to say we were worn out after a long day of running around and playing games.
Arizona: Realities of Injustice

One of our tasks at the Carl Hayden Community Center consisted of beatifying the space for the community members!

Joshua Tree - Recycled Art