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 Offerings:
Haslam VOLbreak – Disaster Relief + Local Businesses in Asheville, NC
*Haslam College of Business Students Only*
Price: $100
Join us for a meaningful Haslam VOLbreak trip to Asheville, North Carolina, where students will engage in service focused on Hurricane Helene recovery through the lens of small businesses and nonprofits. Participants will partner with local non-profit organizations leading the region’s recovery, while working alongside small business owners and staff still rebuilding after the storm. Students will learn how disaster recovery touches jobs, culture, and the systems that hold a community together. Whether you’re interested in learning from local organizations, exploring a new city in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or building connections with fellow Vols, this trip offers something for everyone. Along the way, you will connect with classmates and Alumni, reflect on your experiences, and return to campus with a deeper understanding of service and community impact.
Highlights:
- Work and engage with other Haslam students eager to restore western North Carolina and surrounding communities
- Engage with local businesses and corporations to learn about businesses’ responses to disaster
- Assist nonprofits and citizens to help Asheville recover from devastating effects of Hurricane Helene
Fall VOLbreak – Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN
Price: $155
What does wildlife conservation look like behind the scenes? Join us in Hohenwald, TN to find out! We’ll partner with the Elephant Sanctuary on service projects that support the care of elephants living in protected habitats while learning about conservation, advocacy, and the challenges facing elephant populations around the world. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the Sanctuary’s mission, contribute to meaningful service, and gain a better understanding of the role conservation organizations play in protecting vulnerable species. Expect plenty of time outdoors, hands-on work, and a chance to connect with fellow volunteers while making a tangible difference.
Highlights:
- Learn about wildlife conservation and challenges facing elephants in the wild
- Work to enhance the Sanctuary’s natural habitat for Asian and African elephants
- Explore the zoology, biology, wildlife conservation, and wildlife management fields
Food Security in Birmingham, AL
Price: $155
Join fellow UT students on a VOLbreak trip to Birmingham, Alabama, where we will serve alongside Jones Valley Teaching Farm while learning about our social issue theme: food justice. Throughout the trip, we will partner with JVTF to engage in meaningful service-learning activities, giving participants the opportunity to contribute directly to local food justice efforts. We will roll up our sleeves and dive into the rhythm of farm life, pulling stubborn weeds, harvesting fresh produce at peak ripeness, and jumping into any last‑minute planting that keeps the fields thriving. We will also shape the soil itself through hands‑on bed preparation, getting the farm ready for its next wave of growth. Beyond service, you’ll discover why Birmingham is known as “The Magic City.” A highlight of the trip will be a visit to the Civil Rights Institute, where participants will gain a deeper understanding of the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and the lasting connections between civil rights and food justice. Giving up your fall break is no small commitment, but spending it with VOLbreaks in Birmingham offers the chance to grow as a leader, build relationships, and return to campus with a broader perspective and sense of community.
Highlights:
- Learn and engage with other students passionate about nutrition education and food
- Work with Jones Valley Teaching farm to alleviate food insecurity in the Birmingham area
- Obtain first-hand experience working on a community farm
VOLbreaks Cost & Dates
- Fall VOLbreaks trips take place over Fall Break as defined by the academic calendar for the year.
- The VOLbreaks participant fee is dependent on trip location and calculated based on food and travel costs. Each trip cost will be represented on the trip description on Vol Connect. Find out more about VOLbreaks scholarships.
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] or 865-974-1039