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VOLbreaks Student Leader Applications

VOLbreaks Leaders (VBLs)

VOLbreaks Leaders (VBLs) are the back bone of planning a VOLbreaks trip. VBL responsibilities include researching a trip theme, selecting a location where that theme is prevalent, finding a community partner for the group to serve alongside, planning reflection, and coordinating reorientation.

All VBLs are required to attend VBL Training throughout the fall or spring semester to prepare them for the above responsibilities. If you have any questions, please contact the JCLS at leadserve@utk.edu.

Applications for VOLbreak Leader positions are now OPEN! Please consider submitting an application.

In addition to submitting an application, you must sign up for a 30-minute interview. The link to sign up for interviews will be under the dropdown menu on this page after the submission refreshes. The link will be in the confirmation message.

2025-2026 VBL Position Description

 

2025-2026 VOLbreaks Leader Application

Thank you for you interest in being a VOLbreaks leader! Please contact Grace Hicks at gracehicks@utk.edu with any concerns or questions.

"*" indicates required fields

2025-2026 VOLbreaks Leader Application

Name*
(XXXX@vols.utk.edu)

About You

Previous participation is not required to be a VOLbreaks leader.
Year, trip season, location.
What issues are you most personally and educationally invested in? Think about social themes that you'd be comfortable leading.*

Self-Rating

In the section below, please rate yourself as it relates to these qualities.
Organization*
Conflict Resolution Skills*
Communication*
Time Management*
Critical Thinking*
Flexibility*
Please note that serving in the VOLbreak Leader is more than a weeklong commitment. You will be expected to prioritize your VOLbreak Leader position from November 2025 until Reorientation after your trip returns.

Additional Information

VOLbreak Leaders are responsible for driving 12-passenger vans to their trip locations. Exceptions are made as long as one of the co-leaders is able to drive.

Availability

Interviews will take place Monday, November 3rd to Friday, November 7th unless other accommodations are made with VOLbreaks staff.*
VOLbreaks Leader trainings will run from August 2025 to October 2025 and January 2026 to March 2026. First-time Leaders will also be enrolled in LEAD 349 for 2 credit hours on Tuesdays from 4:05pm-5:20pm.
Waiver*
By clicking "I consent" you hereby give the reviewers of your application authority to access your student conduct and academic records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).

Student Directors

The VOLbreaks Program receives guidance and support from a group of dedicated and passionate student leaders who work year-round to develop quality alternative break trips. These Student Directors are responsible for the organizational side of the VOLbreaks Program and work closely with the staff and graduate assistant throughout the year. These students plan and implement the annual VBL retreat, assist with VBL training, advise a small group of VBLs throughout the year, and plan the program wide events like community meetings, reorientation, and participant recruitment.

The VOLbreaks Program relies heavily on the commitment and passion of the VBSDs to help in the planning stages and implementation of all VOLbreaks trips. Student who are interested in holding a position should be passionate about service, leadership, engaging with social issues and in their communities, and mentorship. All student directors are required to attend one staff meeting per week throughout the entirety of the academic year and hold regular meetings with their small group of VBLs. If you have any questions regarding the Student Director position, please email the JCLS at leadserve@utk.edu.

Applications for VOLbreak Student Director positions are are now OPEN! Please consider submitting an application.

In addition to submitting an application, you must sign up for a 1-hour interview. The link to sign up for interviews will be under the dropdown menu on this page after the submission refreshes. The link will be in the confirmation message.

2025-2026 Student Director Job Description 

 

 

Support VOLbreaks!

Your contribution will go directly to the students participants and will help to defer their costs!

Give to the VOLbreaks program!

You can select a specific student to receive your gift, or you can give to the general support fund. No gift is too small; every little bit helps to offset participant trip costs.