2012 Alternative Spring Break Trip to Wichita Falls, Texas
Alternative Spring Break Mission
The Alternative Spring Break program is designed to provide Rochester Institute of Technology students with an opportunity to:
- Reflect on their roles in the national and global community
- Understand the importance of public service and civic engagement
- Gain new perspectives of community service through working in diverse environments and engaging in discussion with local community leaders
- Build new and lasting friendships and alliances
Description
Students will be volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity build site each day. Habitat in Wichita Falls is finishing their first subdivision in an area that has had very limited new construction in the past 50 years. Partnering with the city to help revitalize East Wichita Falls, Habitat for Humanity has built 60+ houses. The city has now created a TIF district to help increase the impact on the area by using the increased tax revenues as seed money to attract businesses.
Our affiliate is committed to providing a full "Texas experience" for each group. All groups will stay at a church camp outside of Wichita Falls. Wichita Falls is 2 hours west of Dallas/Fort Worth.
Participant Commitment
Participants are required to attend the pre-break informational sessions, pre-travel planning meetings, and a post-break activity. Participants are also required to help fundraise for the trip as part of service learning. RIT course credit may be available. During the break, each member is expected to fully participate in the daily projects, workshops, and nightly journal writing.
There is a $450.00 fee to help defray travel expenses. Financial Assistance may be available for students with need; contact Phyllis Walker at ppwccl@rit.edu for more information about financial assistance. If for some reason the participant decides to withdraw from the program before the break, they will be required to reimburse the program.
Applications must be submitted online by 3:00 pm on Friday, December 9. 2011. Once you have submitted your application, you will be contacted with your application decision.
Program fee of $450 includes airfare, lodging, Habitat fee, and out-of-town meals.
A $100 deposit is due by Friday, January 13 to hold your spot. The due date for the remaining balance has yet to be determined.
Have questions?
If you have any questions or comments, contact:
- Phyllis Walker - ppwccl@rit.edu
- Mary Heiermann - mrhori@rit.edu
- Kate Blackburn - kmbiss@rit.edu