Campus Happenings

In March, a group of SNHU students spent their spring break stepping outside the classroom and into communities across the country and internationally. From Washington, D.C. to Costa Rica, students engaged in hands-on service addressing issues like food equity, environmental sustainability, disaster recovery and education, gaining real-world experience while supporting communities in meaningful ways.

This year, across all four trips, 41 students and 8 faculty/staff advisors completed over 714 hours of service. Bringing together participants from a wide range of majors and interests, these trips offer a shared experience rooted in service, learning and belonging.

Costa Rica

One group travelled Costa Rica and focused their work on environmental sustainability. They spent time collaborating with a local school to build a community garden, install a rainwater collection system and construct hillside stairs to help prevent erosion. Beyond their service work, the group gained firsthand insight into how climate change is affecting the village and explored the country’s cacao production, learning how chocolate is made and about its role in Costa Rica’s economy.

“The Chandler Center’s mission is about learning, it’s about service, it’s about reflection; all three of those were completely the focus of our journey to Costa Rica,” said Pamela Beckvagni, Costa Rica trip staff advisor. “That's what The Chandler Center is all about: teaching people how to be leaders with dignity, respect and reflection.”

Student coordinator Laken Graham left the trip feeling empowered.

“With Alternative Break, there are skills that you might not have a lot of experience with. But when you work together and you're all going through it at the same time, you learn that you're capable of a lot more than you think," Graham said.

Valdosta, GA and Washington, D.C.

Another group traveled to Valdosta, Georgia, where the focus was on disaster recovery in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which caused major destruction in September of 2024. Partnering with local disaster relief organizations, students were able to rebuild homes for individuals and families to move back into. In addition to hands-on service work, they also learned about gaps and delays in disaster response as well as the intersections between poverty and disaster relief.

Over in Washington, D.C., students engaged in dialogue and action around food equity and advocacy. They participated in learning sessions with DHS Service Center to understand the process of applying for SNAP benefits, and the challenges individuals may face as they navigate the system. They volunteered with food pantries, learning more about nonprofits and the role they play in helping people in need. Students also spent time with CHEPP, where they learned how to speak with Congress and Senate staff and advocate for issues they’re passionate about — putting learning into action on Capitol Hill.

Belize

For the third year in partnership with SNHU’s Department of Education and the Placencia International Academy in Belize, students — with the help of two faculty members — worked with teachers in Placencia to develop learning strategy plans for their classrooms. They also helped plan a community night for families and offered after-school tutoring for local students, too. This allowed Placencia teachers to attend professional development sessions with SNHU faculty and help foster a cross-cultural learning environment.

“Having the international support and the international community come in and offer their skills and their knowledge enhances and greatly impacts our work here,” said Loretta Logan, principal and current owner of Placencia International Academy in Belize.

At SNHU, service is a big deal

As SNHU’s Alternative Break trips continue to grow, they remain rooted in the same purpose that inspired their creation: a commitment to hands-on, meaningful service and learning. Students aren’t just helping communities in need. They’re also gaining a deeper awareness of the world around them, which can inform their contributions post-graduation — no matter their career of choice.

“These trips extend far past the six days we are there,” said Karin Heffernan, Georgia trip staff advisor. “They continue into our community and into our classrooms. These students are no longer strangers but lifelong friends. They have come home with new meaning, and a fiery passion for a cause that has become so important to them. It’s magical, it really is.”

As The Chandler Center celebrates its 20th anniversary, the impact of Alternative Break is evident not just in the hours served or projects completed, but in the lasting connections formed and the personal growth of every student who steps outside the classroom and into service.

If learning about social issues and serving your community are ways you’re looking to get involved in college, SNHU is the place for you — and going on an Alternative Break trip isn’t your only option. You could take a service learning class, make blankets for the unhoused community in Manchester or join the Chandler Center’s Civic Engagement Committee.

When you choose SNHU, you’re not just choosing a college. You’re choosing connection and community. Ready to join us?