Spring Break Programs

Sko Serve graphic

Go all in!

SkoÌýServe sends teams of college students to engage in meaningful service during their breaks from school. This week-long journey over spring breakÌýallows students to explore the United States while making a difference throughÌýservice, reflecting upon their experience and creatingÌýlong-lasting connections with others. To learn more, review the SkoÌýServe participant expectations.ÌýWe hope you’ll be a part of this experience!

Spring Break 2027 Information

  • Participant Application Opens: Nov. 9
  • Participant Application Closes: Feb. 5

Program Cost

  • Stay tuned for information regarding program costs!

Information Sessions

By attending an information session, you will learn:

  • What you can expect
  • Cost and scholarship opportunities
  • What you’ll gain from theÌýexperience
  • How to apply

Spring 2027 dates:

  • Stay tuned for upcoming info sessions!

Donate to the Sko Serve Fund

Our goal is to make this transformative opportunity accessible to all students. Your generous donation will help lower participant costs for lodging, meals, and travel expenses. Join us in creating a positive impact—every contribution counts!

Spring 2027 Programs

Rooted in Service: Environmental Stewardship in Johnsonville

Environmental Stewardship

ÌýÌýLocation: Johnsonville, TN
ÌýÌýDates: Sunday, March 14 - Saturday, March 20

Travel to Johnsonville, Tennessee to make a positive impact on the environment. State and national parks are there to preserve the natural beauty of the nation's most treasured habitats; be an environmental steward and do your part to preserve them! From trail maintenance, to weed wrangling, to creek clean-ups, participate in hands-on volunteer experience. If you love nature and the outdoors, this is the Sko Serve trip for you!Ìý

Waves of Impact: River Restoration in Memphis

Environmental Restoration

ÌýÌýLocation: Memphis, TN
ÌýÌýDates: Sunday, March 14 - Saturday, March 20

This spring break, swap the Flatirons for the mighty Mississippi River as we travel to Memphis, Tennessee to partner with Living Lands & Waters, a nationally recognized environmental organization dedicated to restoring and protecting our rivers and lakes. Throughout the week, we’ll work together to remove debris, sort recyclables, and learn directly from conservation leaders about ongoing efforts to sustain healthy waterways. If you love being by water, this is the Sko Serve trip for you!Ìý

Ancestral Ties, Modern Lifeways: Place, Policy and Preservation in Jemez Pueblo

Indigenous Rights and Advocacy

ÌýÌýLocation: Jemez Pueblo, NM
ÌýÌýDates: Sunday, March 14 - Saturday, March 20

Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the sacred Redondo Peak, participants will head to Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico to immerse in the history, art, culture, and heritage of the Walatowa community and surrounding areas. Students will work directly with tribal leaders committed to protecting the language, health, economic, and educational sovereignty of its citizens. Visit ancestral sites, see traditions in action, and connect with locals. If you are interested in cultural preservation and living history, this is the Sko Serve for you!

Together for Equity: Economic Justice in Dallas

Economic Justice and Community ResilienceÌý

ÌýÌýLocation: Dallas, TX
ÌýÌýDates: Sunday, March 14 - Saturday, March 20

Travel to Dallas, Texas and discover how economic injustice impacts a community. Working with both Brother Bills Helping Hand and Bonton Farms, you will see how people bond together to meet needs that aren't being accommodated. By working with these community partners, you will support their goals to provide food, healthcare, and educational programming to their citizens. If you love helping other human beings, this is the Sko Serve for you!Ìý

Beyond Borders: Immigration Rights & Advocacy in Las Cruces

Immigration Rights and Advocacy

ÌýÌýLocation: Las Cruces, NM
ÌýÌýDates: Sunday, March 14 - Saturday, March 20

In partnership with Border Servant Corps, join us in Las Cruces, New Mexico to learn about immigration advocacy and the borderlands. By connecting with local organizations and learning about immigration law, you'll be immersing yourself in an educational journey to become a better advocate for others. Participants will build meaningful relationships with the community, to foster kindness, understanding, and compassion. If you value human rights, this is the Sko Serve for you!

Past Programs

2024 Sko Serve Spring Break Programs
  • Description:ÌýSpend your spring break addressing food insecurity by strengthening local food systems andÌýcommunity gardens. Our week will include learning about food insecurity and communityÌýgardens, running a gardening club and teaching kids! Join us as we partner with an organizationÌýthat is dedicated to addressing food insecurity through community connections and agriculturalÌýprojects!
  • Location: Oregon
  • Dates:ÌýSaturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hello! Our names are Hayley Thomas (she/her) and Bryce Bennett (he/they), and we are soÌýexcited to be leading Ex-seeding Expectations: Community Gardening and Food Insecurity!ÌýHayley is a senior majoring in international affairs, and Bryce is a sophomore in integrated design engineering. Hayley works for the Basic Needs Center, and Bryce works for theÌýVolunteer Resource Center; as such, we both are very passionate about and dedicated to fightingÌýfood insecurity!ÌýWe are excited to lead this program because Alternative Breaks provides great opportunities toÌýlearn about an important issue and give back while having a fun, community-centered springÌýbreak. Join us on a week-long program to address food insecurity in the Pacific NorthwestÌýthrough gardening and education. Together, we will have a great Alternative Break!

  • Description:ÌýJoin us this spring break and help develop programs for youth facingÌýsignificant life challenges. Specifically, youth living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+Ìýyoung people. You will help prepare summer camp programs where campers can buildÌýcommunity, confidence and memories while having fun in a welcoming and supportive setting!ÌýYou will also learn about these challenges and help stop the stigma when returning to your CUÌý°Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï community. So don’t worry, your service will not end on the last day of spring break.
  • Location:ÌýMinnesota
  • Dates:ÌýSaturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024Ìý

Meet the Site Leaders

Greetings! Our names are Blanca Cerda (she/her) and Trishala Thakur (she/her). WeÌýare thrilled to lead The Stigma Stops: Camps for Youth Facing Challenges!ÌýBlanca is a senior majoring in neuroscience with a minor in sociology. Trishala is aÌýgraduate student pursuing her master's in data science.ÌýWe are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of Alternative Breaks. This programÌýnot only allows us to serve others but also educate ourselves on different issues that affect theÌýcommunities we enter. Join us for a week of intentional service as we break the stigma!

  • Description:ÌýJoin us this spring break for an immersive program of understanding and impactingÌýhomelessness in an urban environment. Our program will engage with the local community byÌýlearning about their culture and creating bonds through teamwork-oriented activities that provideÌýopportunities to learn life skills. The week will be spent volunteering at local soup kitchens,Ìýhomeless shelters and other agencies while learning to become active citizens.
  • Location:ÌýOhio
  • Dates:ÌýSaturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hi, cutie patooties! We are Alex (she/her) and CJ (he/his), the co-site leaders from the NationalÌýResidence Hall Honorary (NRHH) for the upcoming Alternative Spring Breaks Program!ÌýAlex is a sophomore majoring in urban planning and is excited to be returning toÌýAlternative Breaks as a site leader this year! CJ is also a sophomore majoring in molecular cellular and developmental biology and is also the director of membership development with the NRHH!ÌýWe are thrilled to be leading this program to assist the Homeless Coalition in Ohio! Our goal isÌýto develop a more mindful relationship with our community through service-learning andÌýrecognition. We hope you will gain unforgettable experiences and friendships through thisÌýprogram!

  • Description:ÌýSpend your spring break volunteering with Habitat for Humanity! ThisÌýprogram will address issues around affordable housing and indigenous rights, and you will beÌýhelping to construct and repair homes on a reservation in South Dakota. You will be engaging and immersing yourself within the Crow Creek community and get the chance to bring moreÌýaffordable housing to the reservation!
  • Location:ÌýSouth Dakota
  • Dates:ÌýSaturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hello, Buffs! Our names are Whitney Shapiro(she/her) and Orla McGrathÌý(she/her) and we are so excited to be leading this Alternative Breaks program! Orla is a seniorÌýstudying English and journalism, and Whitney is studying math. Orla and Whitney are both passionate about service work, andÌýengage with it frequently, this is Whitney's second time going on AB.ÌýÌýWe were drawn to Alternative Breaks because of its opportunity to engage in mindful serviceÌýoutside of our everyday community.

  • Description:ÌýParticipants in this program will be exposed to a comprehensive spectrum of views about immigration and the borderlands by visiting local organizations that work with immigrant populations, learning about immigration law, and building an understanding of economic policies and realities affecting people on the border. This program is sponsored by the Casey Feldman Foundation! All students wanting to be considered for this trip must submit a short statement on their interest in participating in this program. Any student selected for this trip will be required to share a headshot and a short story or essay about their experience on Alternative Breaks to be shared on the Casey Feldman Foundation website.
  • Location:ÌýNew Mexico
  • Dates:ÌýSaturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hi, my name is David Debretsion. I’m a second year biomedical engineering student, and I’m from Aurora, Colorado. I went on a spring break program of my own last spring and learned a great deal from my experience, so I wanted to try leading one this time around. This is my first year as a site leader, so it will be just as much of a learning process for me as it will you all, so I’m excited to go on this journey with you all!ÌýAnd I'm Sophie --ÌýI'm from the Chicago area. I'm a Sophomore with a double major in psychology and journalism. Outside of school, I love to do art, hike, garden, cook, skateboard, and volunteer of course. I am so happy I get to be part of the Volunteer Resource Center, and help inspire other students to contribute positively to their communities.

  • Description:ÌýSpend your spring break with Tennessee State Parks and leave a mark that will last a lifetime. Climate action and resilience are at the forefront of everyone's mind, pitch in and help do your part this spring break. Through your efforts, you will be able to spend your spring break dedicated to the preservation and conservation of a multitude of various species of wildlife including animals, plants, and insects. Working with a local community partner we will work to restore the environment and help maintain this historic site. Our group will engage in several service activities like shoreline cleanup, trail work, invasive species cleanup, and more. Join us in safeguarding the biodiversity of this historic site, and making transformative memories within your college career.
  • Location: Tennessee
  • Dates:ÌýSaturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hey, Buffs! Our names are Giana Rocha (she/her) and Mohamed Osman (he/him) and we are absolutely thrilled to be this year’s site leaders for the Alternative Breaks Program Resilient Roots; Historical Habitat Preservation.

Giana is a sophomore from Brighton, Colorado studying Political Science. Mohamed is a sophomore from Denver, Colorado studying Philosophy.

We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Alternative Breaks (AB) this year. We both had the opportunity to participate in an AB program last year and agree the experience was nothing short of life-changing. AB gave us the opportunity to give back through service, be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and create lifelong bonds. This spring break, we are excited to come back and create similar experiences for more Buffs! Join us this spring break for an unforgettable eco-adventure, where you'll not only recharge your spirits but also make a lasting impact on the planet.

Location:New Mexico
Dates:Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29

This spring, we’ll travel to the border in New Mexico, where we will learn about immigration, laws, and what goes on at the border. We’ll explore the different stakeholders involved in immigration issues and work closely with different community partners who have a long history of working at the border. In this program, you will be deeply immersed in teamwork and education and gain valuable skills in this one-of-a-kind experience.Ìý

Meet the Site Leaders: Hi! We’re Cody Campos (he/him) and Lauren Everett (she/her) and we’re so excited to be site leaders for °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï at the Border: Empathy Expedition! Both of us are peer mentors in the Service and Social Action LLC, and we’re thrilled to be leading the inaugural LLC Sko Serve Spring Break trip! Cody is a junior studying biomedical engineering from Denver, CO, and Lauren is a sophomore studying marketing and environmental studies from The Woodlands, TX. We’re excited to be part of this Sko Serve trip and we love how this program provides the chance for students to immerse yourself in a new community in a meaningful way. Join us this spring break for an unforgettable week of service, education and fun times!ÌýÌý

ÌýLocation:South Dakota
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29

Spend your spring break in the rugged Badlands of South Dakota to support a local hunger-relief initiative with fellow Buffs. Through hands-on service, you’ll meet new people, gain valuable insight into the realities of food insecurity, and see firsthand how it affects diverse communities. This is a prime opportunity to make a difference by directly engaging in meaningful tasks that support those in need. Join with your friends, and potential new ones, in this unique opportunity to bring °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï’s spirit of service to South Dakota.Ìý

Meet the Site Leaders: What’s up gang! We’re your site leaders, Chandler Farnsworth (he/him) and Zach Roberson (he/him), and we couldn’t be more excited to gallivant with y’all to the Badlands! We’re leading a group to South Dakota where we will work together to fight against the local food insecurity in the community. If you’re looking to participate in an unforgettable spring break trip full of service, new friendships, and plenty of Buff pride - join us in the heart of South Dakota and make Ralphie proud!Ìý

ÌýLocation:Utah
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29

Join us on our Sko Serve trip where we will support the long-term stability of the unhoused population by working at shelters, serving meals, sorting donations, and engaging in community events. You’ll have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the systemic barriers that perpetuate homelessness. Together, we’ll work with a volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome homelessness.

Meet the Site Leaders:Hi! We are Maria (she/her) and Aishani (she/her) and we’re excited to be your site leaders for this trip! We are both from Colorado and enjoy cooking, hiking, and trying new things. Maria is a sophomore studying psychology (pre-health) and Aishani is a sophomore studying electrical engineering. Our goal over this week is to foster a supportive environment where everyone can learn, serve, and reflect on housing and homelessness issues. We’re excited to embark on this Sko Serve journey to Utah with you!

ÌýLocation:Missouri
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 30

Join us this spring break for a meaningful service trip dedicated to empowering young people and uplifting families affected by poverty. Students will be working with a non-profit organization focused on providing a safe, loving and educational environment for children in poverty and empowering their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education. In this program, students will engage directly with families and the community, providing essential support and making a positive impact.Ìý

Meet the Site Leaders:Hey Buffs! Our names are Giana Rocha (she/her) and Whitney Thong (she/her) and we are thrilled to be this year’s site leaders for the Sko Serve Program Project Breakthrough: Empowering and Elevating Youth.ÌýGiana is a junior from Brighton, Colorado studying political science. Whitney is a sophomore from Alamosa, Colorado studying molecular biology on the pre-medicine track.

We both are super passionate about youth empowerment and family advocacy. This program is a great opportunity to learn about an important issue surrounding equitable access to safe and loving educational environments for the youth population. Join us this spring break for an unforgettable adventure where you’ll not only recharge your spirits but also make a lasting impact on other people’s lives.

ÌýLocation:Tennessee
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 30

Spend your spring break addressing animal welfare by supporting the preservation of wildlife. Our week will include learning about animal welfare, socializing dogs, cleaning kennels, and filling holes with gravel.

Meet the Site Leaders: Hello! Our names our Ivy Gannon (she/her) and Deztine Carter (she/her), and we are so excited to be leading Voices for the Voiceless! Ivy is a Sociology major, and Dez is an Ethnic Studies major. Ivy currently works as a caretaker for a man with Down syndrome, and Dez works as an Executive Director for Program Council. We are both very dedicated to helping animals in need and supporting their health and wellness! We are excited to lead this program because Sko Serve provides so many opportunities to learn about critical issues and give back while having a fun, community-centered spring break. Join us on a week-long program to address animal welfare in Tennessee through caretaking and bonding of rescued dogs. Together, we will do great service and have a fulfilling spring break!

ÌýLocation:California
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 30

Join us for an unforgettable spring break dedicated to coastal restoration! On this trip, you will take part in service work including maintaining trails, removing invasive species, taking part in beach clean-ups, and supporting plant nurseries. You’ll also get to enjoy hiking, beach views, seeing wildlife, and birdwatching. This program combines meaningful conservation efforts with outdoor adventure and fun!

Meet the Site Leaders:Hello! We’re Chandan Varma (he/him) and Rose Valdez (she/her), and we’re your site leaders for this exciting and impactful spring break! Chandan is a PhD student in aerospace engineering, and Rose is an undergrad majoring in integrative physiology. We’re excited to work alongside a fantastic group of CU students!

This program will take you out of the classroom and into nature, where we’ll tackle real conservation projects to protect and restore coastal ecosystems. Whether it’s fixing trails, removing invasive species, or supporting plant nurseries, you’ll make a real impact. Along the way, you’ll challenge yourself, make new friends, and gain a greater appreciation for
environmental preservation. Prepare for a week of growth, adventure, and connection
an unforgettable experience awaits!

ÌýLocation: Memphis, TN
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21

This spring break, swap the Flatirons for the mighty Mississippi as we travel to Memphis, Tennessee to partner with Living Lands & Waters, a nationally recognized environmental organization dedicated to restoring and protecting our rivers and lakes. Throughout the week, we’ll work together to remove debris, sort recyclables, and learn directly from conservation leaders about ongoing efforts to sustain healthy waterways.ÌýÌý

Meet the Site Leaders: "Hello! We’re your site leaders, Teigan and Chandler. Teigan is a senior majoring in integrative physiology, and Chandler is a senior majoring in computer science!
We’re excited to support this experience, help create space for reflection and connection, and cheer everyone on along the way. Our role is to help the group stay organized, comfortable, and engaged throughout the trip, from daily service work to exploring Memphis together."

ÌýLocation:Selma, AL
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21

Spend your spring break promoting love and establishing justice by transforming communities affected by racial violence and injustice with fellow CU students. You will be completing training on reconciliation, conquering racial equity, or restoration and justice, and rebuilding homes in the community that had been destroyed. Through both direct and indirect service, you will broaden your perspective and gain an understanding of the root causes of racial violence at a systemic and community level.

Meet the Site Leaders:"We’re Giana Rocha (she/her) and Kate Goray (she/her). Kate is a Junior from Downers Grove, Illinois, studying Neuroscience on the Pre-PA track, and Giana is a Senior from Brighton, CO, majoring in neuroscience.Ìý

We’re so excited to be your site leaders and meet you all here soon! We are looking forward to building a community with you all and working together in Selma. We are so grateful to be welcomed into this community and to work alongside change makers in Alabama. This immersive experience will be unlike any other spring break!"

Location: Jemez Pueblo, NM
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21

Join us in the Jemez Pueblo community for a week of meaningful service and cultural exchange. We’ll support initiatives that promote language preservation, health, and education while learning from Pueblo leaders who continue to shape a vibrant, enduring culture. This experience offers the opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute to community-led efforts that celebrate resilience and cultural preservation.

Meet the Site Leaders:Howdy! We’re Manuela Huertas (she/her) and Benjamin De Matoff (he/him). Benjamin is a sophomore from Los Angeles majoring in Business, and Manuela is a junior from Colombia majoring in neuroscience. We’re so excited to be your site leaders for Sko Serve: Hands for the Land, Hearts for the People.

Spending your spring break with us will be the perfect opportunity to learn first-hand about the Pueblo Nations, as well as native and indigenous advocacy. As site leaders, we are excited to guide this amazing team to the Pueblo of Jemez, where advocacy meets culture, and every conversation builds a bridge.

Location:Missouri
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21

Spend your spring break in St. Louis, Missouri, supporting and empowering individuals facing economic insecurity. Through hands-on service opportunities, you’ll build connections, gain insight into the reality of poverty, and explore the systemic issues that shape economic inequality. Join us in providing meaningful assistance to those who truly need it.

Meet the Site Leaders: Hi! Our names are Nik (He/Him) and Connor (He/Him). We’re both from Colorado and are so stoked to be this trip’s site leaders. Nik is a sophomore from Colorado Springs and is studying personal financial planning. He loves spending time outside backpacking and biking, and is always excited for a new adventure. Connor is a sophomore from Superior studying Finance. He’s a big Nintendo fan (especially old SNES games), loves reading, getting outdoors, and working out. I’m always up for talking games, books, or finding new trails around °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï. We can’t wait to meet y’all and embark on this impactful journey of service and connection!

ÌýLocation:Kissimmee, FL
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21

Bring magic to life with Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical "storybook" resort that provides cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. As a volunteer, you'll help create unforgettable moments of joy for families through hands-on roles such as ride attendants, ice cream servers, craft leaders, cast members, and more.

Meet the Site Leaders: Meilani and Kate

ÌýLocation:New Orleans, LA
ÌýDates:Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21

Spend your spring break helping reforest New Orleans with SOUL (Sustaining Our Urban Landscape), the city’s only nonprofit dedicated solely to planting trees. Together, we’ll plant and maintain native, water-loving trees that reduce flooding, combat heat, and create a more resilient and equitable urban landscape. Through this hands-on work, you’ll build skills in teamwork, environmental restoration, and community engagement while learning how local action can create lasting change. Join us in growing a greener future, one tree at a time!

Meet the Site Leaders: Spend your spring break helping reforest New Orleans with SOUL (Sustaining Our Urban Landscape), the city’s only nonprofit dedicated solely to planting trees. Together, we’ll plant and maintain native, water-loving trees that reduce flooding, combat heat, and create a more resilient and equitable urban landscape. Through this hands-on work, you’ll build skills in teamwork, environmental restoration, and community engagement while learning how local action can create lasting change. Join us in growing a greener future, one tree at a time!