Austin Peay Alternative Break Trips

Students and staff in front of Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge sign.

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. Many domestic options cost no more than $100 (including food, housing, and transportation).

Our Mission

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

Upcoming Trips

Fall Break 2026

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Immerse yourself in nature over Fall Break while helping remove invasive plants and maintain trails in this expansive recreation area.

When: October 9-13, 2026
Where: Land Between the Lakes in Golden Pond, KY
How much? $50

Applications for this trip are
CLOSED

Winter Break 2026

St. Louis, Missouri with LifeWise StL

Spend Winter Break serving with LifeWise StL, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families improve their economic well-being and build stronger futures. Participants will support meaningful community-based programs and service projects while learning more about issues affecting families in the St. Louis community. LifeWise StL provides programs ranging from early childhood education and youth development to financial coaching, wellness services, and essential community resources.

When: December 14-18, 2026
Where: St. Louis, Missouri
How much? $75

Apply Below

Spring Break 2027

Fall Creek Falls State Park

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.

When: March 6-11, 2027
Where: Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee
How much? $50

Apply Below

Summer 2027

Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief

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.

When: July 2027
Where: Puerto Rico
How much? $750; a $350 deposit is required to guarantee your spot (this is a high-demand trip; spots fill quickly)

A Real ID is required to travel to Puerto Rico.

Applications will open soon.
Check back later!

Payments for Alternative Break trips are non-refundable.

Who Can Participate

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be a current student
Applicants must be in good conduct/judicial standing with APSU
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

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

Students standing together in El Yunque Puerto Rico

Want to be a trip leader?

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

Apply to Be a Trip Leader

Apply for a Trip

Complete your application thoroughly.

Status updates are sent after the application deadline—please do not email about your application status before the deadline.

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 Application

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*

Winter Break 2026: St. Louis, Missouri

Spring Break 2027: Fall Creek Falls

How did you hear about us?*

Phone Number*example: 931 221 XXXX

Trip Leader Application

Please don't fill out this input box.

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*

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

Frequently Asked Questions

If your graduation date is in May, yes, you can still apply.

If your graduation date is in December, no, you cannot apply.

Payment is due at the application deadline.

Payment is accepted:

at the Office of Community Engagement & Sustainability (cash only)
The Cashiers Window in the Ellington Building (debit or credit card)

All payments made to Alternative Break are non-refundable.

The cost for a trip 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.

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.

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

The pre-trip meeting covers:

what we’ll be doing
where we’ll stay
who we’re working with
meal planning and gathering information about food allergies

It is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.