March 11-18, 2023
Participants examine the root causes of the social issues they work with through pre-trip education and reflection during the trip. Students meet with their team approximately two times prior to departure in March and one time after the trip. Past participants have traveled to Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Asheville, NC, and more.
Students will also enjoy a free afternoon/evening during their trip to enjoy the sites in their host city. This structure allows students to get to know a community and its residents on a deeper level to have a lasting impact.
Each VOLbreaks group typically includes 10-12 total participants, two VOLbreaks Leaders (VBLs), and one Faculty/Staff learning partner.
Spring VOLbreaks cost $250 and include food, travel, housing, and a t-shirt. Financial aid is available for students on a needs-based criteria.
VOLbreaks FAQ VOLbreaks Scholarship/Fee Waiver
Spring 2023 VOLbreak Trips
Community Development
Trip Leaders: Alvin Robertson & Katie Schmidt
On this VOLbreak, we will explore community development and integration of service within different aspects of cultural and interpersonal identity through educational excursions and assisting community partners. We will explore the impact of art and collaboration on school environments and the influence of history on modern community principles and practices. During this service experience, participants will engage with organizations such as higher education, outreach kitchens, and healthcare-related partners. We will also explore themes of social justice, food and housing insecurity, and social disparity and how they combine to create a cohesive image of a strong community.
Location will be revealed after sign-ups!
Sustainability (Honors Preferred VOLbreak)
Trip Leaders: Colton Duckworth & Diksha Deshpande
This VOLbreak aims to introduce and engage participants in sustainability, environmental conservation, and urban farming. This group will travel to a vibrant mountainous area rich in natural beauty and persistent in their commitment to green living. But because of its appeal to tourists, the local environment has been significantly damaged in the past decade. It is also difficult for low-income communities to maintain a consistent, nutritional food supply. During this trip, participants will work in natural areas and community gardens to restore, preserve and protect the environment and support sustainable agricultural practices for low-income, food-insecure communities. Participants on this trip will spend a week engaging in hands-on service in natural areas and community gardens. This VOLbreak is perfect for anyone interested in environmental protection, wants to incorporate sustainability into their own life, and isn’t afraid of a little dirt.
Location will be revealed after sign-ups!
Note: Honors affiliated students will receive early registration access beginning February 1, 2023 at 8 am. Beginning February 6, 2023 at 8 am, all students are welcomed to register!
Spring 2023 Timeline
- January 31: Spring VOLbreaks Interest Session
- Details: Student Union 383F (by Dean of Students Office) at 4 pm
- February 1: Spring VOLbreaks Interest Session
- Details: International House 203 (Quiet Room) at 6 pm
- February 1-February 5: Honors Preferred – Spring VOLbreak Sign-Ups Open on ServeUTK
- September 6-February 12: Spring VOLbreaks Sign-Ups Open on ServeUTK
- February 15: Participant Kick-Off Meeting (required for registered participants)
- Details: Friedson Black Cultural Center at 6 pm
- February 15-March 10: Pre-Trip Meetings
- March 11–March 18: Spring VOLbreaks