Howard University Alternative Spring Break (HUASB) celebrated its 29th year of service with one of the largest turnouts known to date this past spring break, March 6-13. 

HUASB, a week where students travel everywhere from Kentucky to Ghana to help under-served communities during the spring break period, partnered with local churches, Boys and Girls clubs, and community restoration groups to send students to 26 sites around the world. 

According to the Andrew Memorial Rankin Chapel website, HUASB connects students to the significance of their education and prepares them to be servant leaders for the nation and the world.​​

“I’ve always been an avid volunteer,” said Charlie Sconiers,  a freshman biology and math major who chose to spend her first spring break giving back through ASB.

“When I got to Howard, one of the first thing I looked for was service hour opportunities.”

Sconiers first found out about Alternative Spring Break through friends. Assigned to a site in Jacksonville, Mississippi, the New York native mainly worked with Habitat of Humanity, building sheds for the homeless community.

“When we left, to see the complete sheds was really rewarding, and knowing the cause. When [Habitats of Humanity] sells a house, they lose profit, and to have the kindness to be able to know that your losing money and do it out of the kindness of your heart was a very beautiful thing to see,” Sconiers said about her time working with Habitat for Humanity.

HUASB has lended its services to marginalized communities around the world and the nation since 1994.

The impact of this experience on Howard University students can be life-changing. New friends were created. Eyes were opened to the realities of underserved communities. 

Reverend Jacob Cogman witnessed the impact an experience like ASB has not only on the communities it serves but the students who participate. As the site advisor in Louisville, KY., Rev. Cogman reflected on the experience. 

After watching students interact with the community and see the underlying issues, he says he saw “a sense of awareness in recognizing how needs don’t disappear because the news stops covering it.”

Follow @HUASB for more details about the Alternative Spring Break experience this year.