Listen to .mp3 or .wav format interviews with Alternative Spring Break participants.
Spring break traditionally marks a time for college students to hit the
ski slopes or lay on the beach, trading the hectic schedule of life on
campus for rest and relaxation. During the week of March 8-12, however,
more than 300 students from Nashville’s Vanderbilt University will stay
busy participating in Alternative Spring Break programs at 27 sites
across the United States, Mexico and Canada, including a site in the
Denver area.
During the week, Vanderbilt students will work closely with the staff
of Harvest Farm, a rehabilitation program affiliated with the Denver
Rescue Mission. Located 90 miles north of Denver, Harvest Farm is a
rural facility and working farm for men who are recovering drug
addicts. The students will work alongside the men who eagerly share
their testimonies of addiction and recovery.
The first Alternative Spring Break at Vanderbilt began in 1986 as a
result of students’ desire to step outside the campus and further their
education through practical experience and the application of service.
Alternative Spring Break projects are completely organized and run by
the students. The association’s mission is to promote critical
thinking, social action and continued community involvement.
Vanderbilt is a private research university of approximately 6,300
undergraduates and 4,600 graduate and professional students. Founded in
1873, the University comprises 10 schools, a public policy institute, a
distinguished medical center and The Freedom Forum First Amendment
Center.
For more information about Vanderbilt University’s Alternative Spring
Break activities in your area, contact Brian Waltz at Harvest Farm
(970-568-9803) or Vanderbilt student and site leader Kate Baughman
(615-294-7648).