Kelci Hollis
While most students are headed to warmer climates, St. Johns sophomore Kelci Hollis is giving up her spring break this week in favor of helping with education in Omaha, Neb. Kelci is volunteering with a group of nine other students to assist with educational programs, including providing support for the Spring Break Latch Key program.
Central Michigan University students traveled across the country during spring break through CMU’s Alternative Break program. The 145 student volunteers will provide assistance in 11 states. CMU’s Alternative Break program is ranked fourth nationally for the number of students participating in the trips. The program also has been ranked among the top five in the nation by Break Away, a national nonprofit organization that supports the development of university alternative break programs.
The Alternative Breaks program is offered through CMU’s Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center. Students can pick a service experience dedicated to various social issues, including children’s health care, historical preservation, HIV/AIDS and education.
Sites for the 2014 Alternative Spring Breaks include:
• Charlotte, N.C., – Campus Pride – LGBTQ
• Jonesboro, Ark., – Food Bank – Rural Poverty
• Surray, Va., – Chippokes State Park – State Parks Preservation
• Kissimmee, Fla., – Giving Kids the World Village – Uplifting Families and Children
• Pittsburgh – Rebuilding Together – Urban Renewal
• Charleston, S.C., – Carolina Youth Development Center – Youth Advocacy
• Baltimore – Greater Homewood Community Corporation – Adult Education
• Asheville, N.C., – YMCA of Western North Carolina – Access to Sports and Recreation
• Selma, Ala., – The Freedom Foundation – Civil Rights
• Immokalee, Fla., – Highlands Elementary School – Diversity
• Omaha, Neb., – Completely KIDS – Education
• St. Louis – Food Outreach – Health Promotions
• Atlanta – Open Hand / Jerusalem House – HIV/AIDS
For additional news from Central Michigan University, visit the CMU Media Channel at media.cmich.edu.