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Fall VOLbreaks

Fall VOLbreaks are 4-day service opportunities during the university’s fall break in which participants travel to help meet community needs. 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 October and one time after the trip. Past participants have traveled to Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, 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.

Fall 2025 Trips


Asheville, North Carolina

Trip Focus: Disaster Relief
Trip Leaders: Kelly Nguyen and Ozzy Yuksel
Trip Dates: October 4th- October 7th
Asheville, NC Skyline

Looking for a fall break that’s more than just a break? Join us for a meaningful and exciting VOLbreak trip to Asheville, North Carolina
Throughout the week, you’ll volunteer with local nonprofits on service projects focused on disaster relief and food insecurity. It’s a chance to contribute to meaningful causes while learning from passionate changemakers in the community.
This trip is all about showing up, giving back, and learning from the people and places we serve. Along the way, you’ll bond with fellow Vols, reflect on the power of service, and gain a deeper understanding of social issues from the ground up.
Whether you’re passionate about helping others or just curious about getting involved, this trip is a great way to connect, serve, and grow alongside fellow UT students.

Register for the Disaster Relief VOLbreak Now!

Birmingham, Alabama

Trip Focus: Sustainability and Food Access
Trip Leaders: Randi Gill and Anna Fletcher
Trip Dates: October 4th – October 7th
Birmingham, AL Skyline

Join us on a VOLbreak Trip to Birmingham, Alabama with a focus on Sustainability and Food Access! Food insecurity affects 1 in 7 American households, and in Birmingham the number rises to 1 in 5. By partnering with Jones Valley Teaching Farm, participants will be immersed in activities that support the farm and help the organization accomplish their greater mission of making healthy foods and nutrition information available to all those in Birmingham. Participants will be completing labor on the urban farm, including activities such as mulching, planting, harvesting, weeding, or beautification projects. Since food is the foundation of Jones Valley Teaching Farm, participants will be taking a hands-on approach to support the organization, and the community as a whole, all while having an immersive learning experience and gaining a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding food security.

Register for the Sustainability and Food Access VOLbreak Now!

Hohenwald, Tennessee

Trip Focus: Exotic Animal Conservation
Trip Leaders: Ella Ackmann and Piper Gaby
Trip Dates: October 4th – October 7th
African elephant on forest background

If you love animals, especially elephants, this is the trip for you! We will be traveling to Hohenwald, Tennessee, a small town south of Nashville. Hohenwald is known for their Elephant Sanctuary, where we will be spending most of our time.
We will be working directly with the Elephant Sanctuary to support them on wildlife conservation objectives and elephant advocacy. This trip will likely include a lot of manual labor and will be a lot of fun! articipants should note that the trip will not be working directly with the elephants onsite and the Jones Center cannot guarantee the group will see elephants during their time at the Sanctuary.
Join us on this trip to learn more about elephants and wildlife conservation, meet new friends, and travel somewhere new!

Register for the Exotic Animal Conservation VOLbreak Now!

Nashville, Tennessee

Trip Focus: Haslam College of Business- Corporate Social Responsibility
Trip Leaders: Baylee Strunk and Peyton Stiles
Trip Dates: October 4th – October 7th
Nashville, TN Skyline

Embark on this interactive trip to Nashville, Tennessee. In collaboration with the Haslam College of Business, the trip will focus on community needs and corporate social responsibility. Participants will explore how businesses drive positive change through ethical practices, sustainability, and community engagement. Serve with local nonprofits, network with UT alumni, and visit companies investing in the community. From small startups to major corporations, students will examine how profit and purpose can coexist. This trip offers a hands-on opportunity to reflect on the role of business in advancing community wellbeing. Students will build personal and professional relationships not just with corporations and nonprofits, but with fellow Haslam students. Join us on Haslam VOLbreaks to grow your impact, expand your network, and discover how your future in business can shape a better world.

Register for the Haslam College of Business VOLbreak Now!

VOLbreaks Cost & Dates

  • October 4 – 7, 2025
  • Registration will open in August
  • Registration fee includes transportation to service sites and excursions, meals, a t-shirt, and program materials.

Important Details

  • Due to the nature of the VOLbreaks program and the necessity for early planning and purchasing of supplies, cancellations are not permitted and refunds will not be awarded. If a student has a medical or family emergency and cannot attend their VOLbreak program, cases will be considered on an individual basis for a refund to be considered and documentation is required in an email to leadserve@utk.edu. If no documentation is provided, an absent participant will be marked as a “No Show” and their trip registration fees will not be refunded.
  • Switching a registration to another trip is not permitted, and would only be considered with extenuating circumstances and if space is available on the desired trip. Eligible trip switches will be made for a $25 processing fee. The $25 processing fee will be placed on the student’s MyUTK account.




Questions, Concerns, or Needs for Accommodation?

Check out FAQs or reach out to us at leadserve@utk.edu or 865-974-1039