Alternative Spring Break Detroit
During the six-day/five-night camp-style, lock-in Alternative Spring Break Detroit (ASBD) program, students use a variety of experiences to better understand and enjoy the city in their own backyard. They have the opportunity to learn about Detroit (past and present), dine at various restaurants, as well as get to know how movers and shakers of non-profit organizations, local government, businesses, and the art community are playing a starring role in the city. The ASBD program is not tied to a course.
History
Starting in 2003, the ASBD program grew from a student organization to what it is today – a peer-led, department-supported program. With approximately 1,000 participants since its inception (including many who returned and grew into leadership roles), ASBD has taken the traditional alternative spring break model of traveling beyond state-lines to provide impactful community service; and infused it with getting to better understand the university’s local community. Based on student feedback, in 2020, the program was extended from five-days/four-nights to six-days/five-nights.
When?
ASBD is a six-day, five-night "lock-in" program during Spring Break (starting Sunday, March 9 through Friday, March 14, 2025). If you cannot commit to the entire program duration, please do not apply. This year, the program will have approximately 50 spots.
Apply
Applications will open 9 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2025. Applications close 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 21.
What?
Our goal is for participants to come away with the awareness of the dynamic nature of our urban core, and recognize what is happening now to shape its future. As students become involved with ASBD, they will actively discover how they fit into the City of Detroit's past, present and future.
Through volunteer service, learning experiences, and cultural awareness, ASBD hopes to dispel many of the negative stereotypes attached to Detroit by giving back.
We desire for ASBD not to be the only form of service a student becomes involved in, but rather as a launching pad for continuing future service-learning opportunities. The multitude of activities the participants will be involved in will develop their leadership skills, teamwork proficiency, personal development, and self-growth that will carry over into whatever field their future entails.
Ultimately, we hope that ASBD fosters positive, multidimensional attitudes about the metropolitan area; from the City of Detroit to the most rural of its suburbs. Through this new breed of perspectives we can overcome prejudices that have held us back from fully enjoying the opportunities this region has to offer.
Why Detroit?
It's our own backyard. We go to school here. We play here. We are influenced by and have the potential to influence what happens here. Each of our stories has become heavily woven into the fabric of Detroit. We all have a stake in what becomes of it.
Where did we go in 2024?
Contact
Alternative Spring Break Detroit Advisor: Brandon Shamoun, bshamoun@wayne.edu
Alternative Spring Break Detroit Student Coordinators: Mlahat Mahmood, mlahatmahmood@wayne.edu, and Christian Behring, hl9809@wayne.edu.