Since 1990, students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have abandoned the luxury of sandy beaches to travel across the country and volunteer during their precious week of spring break.
According to the campus’ news service, Alternative Breaks, a program sponsored by the Morgridge Center for Public Service at the University of Wisconsin, challenges hundreds of students every year to step outside their comfort zones, pick up a shovel, hammer or kitchen apron and experience hands-on volunteer experiences in environments drastically different from their home.