Austin Peay Alternative Break Trips

Make your break matter. Austin Peay State University’s Alternative Break Trips combine hands-on community service with the fun of exploring new places. Most trips are highly affordable, with many domestic options costing no more than $100 (including food, housing, and transportation), and select specialty trips priced differently. Our mission is to:

Engage students in meaningful community service
Raise awareness of social and environmental issues
Build community among participants and the university

Explore upcoming trips, review eligibility and expectations, and apply to participate or lead a trip.

Upcoming Trips

Spring Break 2026: Fall Creek Falls (Spencer, TN)

Dates: March 8–12, 2026
Cost: $50
Description: Spend Spring Break outdoors at one of Tennessee’s most scenic waterfall parks. Contribute to preservation by removing invasive plants and maintaining trails—make lasting memories while helping the environment.

Summer 2026: Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief

Dates: July 2026
Cost: $750
Deposit: $350 required to guarantee your spot (high-demand trip; spots fill quickly)
Travel Requirement: Real ID required to travel to Puerto Rico
Description: Support ongoing hurricane relief efforts while exploring Puerto Rico. Don’t miss this chance to serve communities in need and immerse yourself in a new place.

Fall Break 2026: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (Golden Pond, KY)

Dates: October 2026
Cost: $50
Description: Immerse yourself in nature over Fall Break while helping remove invasive plants and maintain trails in this expansive recreation area.

Who Can Participate

Minimum eligibility: In good conduct/judicial standing with APSU and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Information and updates: All trip details will be distributed via APSU email. Apply with your APSU email and check it regularly for updates from your trip leader and other participants.

Participant Expectations

By applying, you acknowledge and agree to these minimum expectations. Trip leaders may add trip-specific expectations:

Participate in pre-trip activities (group meetings, information sessions, fundraising).
Be fully engaged: help plan and attend events and trip itinerary activities.
Maintain communication: respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
No alcohol or drugs: these are strictly prohibited on trips.
Review relevant health and safety risks for your destination.
Payments to Alternative Break are non-refundable.
Status updates are sent after the application deadline—please do not email about your status before the deadline.

How to Apply

Complete your application thoroughly. Questions should be sent to pottsm@apsu.edu.

Please don't fill out this input box.

First Name*

Middle Initial *

Last Name*

APSU Email Address*

Date of birth*

Classification*

Freshmen

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Graduate Student

Why do you want to go on this Alternative Break Trip?*

Trip Options*

How did you hear about us?*

Phone Number*example: 931 221 6590

Apply to Lead a Trip

Students who have previously participated in an Alternative Break Trip can apply to lead. Student leaders select the trip location, nonprofit partner, and guide the group through the week’s activities.

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First Name*

Last Name*

APSU email*

Have you attended an Alternative Break Trip in the past?*

Yes

Why are you interested in leading an Alternative Break Trip?*

What social issues are important to you?*

When would you be available to lead a trip?

What kind of trip are you willing to lead?*

Please include the name of a university staff/faculty member as a reference (could be the chaperone of a previous trip)*

Updates on the application process will be sent through email. Please be sure to list an email that you check regularly.

Phone Number*

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility and Timing

Yes, you can still apply.

No, you cannot apply.

Payments and Deadlines

Payment is due at the application deadline.

You can pay at the Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability (cash only), or at the cashiers window in Ellington (debit or credit card).

All payments made to Alternative Break are non-refundable.

What's Included and Logistics

The fee covers travel, lodging, and meals. Bring extra money for souvenirs or snacks.

Each trip’s lodging varies and will be covered in the pre-trip meeting. In most cases, we partner with a nonprofit or church for lodging.

We travel in a van rented from Enterprise.

Trip Activities and Communication

Each trip is different—we do what the host organization needs. An itinerary is created for each trip and will be sent to paid applicants once it’s confirmed.

Meagan, the Community Engagement Coordinator, will contact you via email to set up a date for the pre-trip meeting.

This meeting covers what we’ll be doing, where we’ll stay, and who we’re working with. We also plan meals and gather information about food allergies. It’s an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Questions?

Email pottsm@apsu.edu for any application-related questions.