Register for VOLbreaks
Fall 2024 Trips
In 2024 – 2025, VOLbreaks will host three fall alternative break opportunities from October 5 – October 8. See the trips offered below for a more detailed description and a link to sign up.
Cost: $175 (includes transportation, educational and sight-seeing activities, meals, and a t-shirt)
Asheville, North Carolina
Trip Focus: Sustainability
Trip Leaders: Jada Lester and Julia Prince
Description: Our VOLbreak trip aims to encourage participants to learn about sustainability and be more conscientious about their impact on the planet. Our group will travel to Asheville, NC, which is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and rivers that converge near the city. Asheville has several local organizations that promote sustainability and work to protect the beautiful landscape surrounding the city. Participants will be volunteering outdoors with partners like Asheville Greenworks during this VOLbreak. Anyone who wants to learn more about sustainability, is okay with getting their hands dirty, and enjoys being outside will love this VOLbreak trip!
Sign Up Link: Sustainability– Asheville, NC
Charlotte, North Carolina
Trip Focus: Disability Advocacy
Trip Leaders: Matt Billings and Marc Stubblebine
Description: During this VOLbreak, participants will spend time focusing on disability advocacy! Participants will take a hands-on approach in the beautiful and historical city of Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout the four days, we will engage in service opportunities that support the local disabled community and advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion. This trip aims to educate participants about the challenges and opportunities in disability advocacy through both learning and direct experience. It is ideal for students who are passionate about social justice, accessibility, and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Join us in our trip to Charlotte to learn, serve, and grow!
Sign Up Link: Disability Advocacy– Charlotte, NC
Cincinnati, Ohio
Trip Focus: Urban Poverty
Trip Leaders: Georgia Ahrens and Garrett Staley
Description: This VOLbreak will encourage participants to become active citizens through fighting poverty and homelessness in Cincinnati, Ohio. We will partner with a local coalition to immerse ourselves directly into the local community. Participants will have the opportunity to partake in educational activities to learn about the root causes of poverty and understand advocacy to promote systemic change. Possible service sites include local homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other support agencies for the houseless. Join us to learn, engage, and explore the local Cincinnati community this fall!
Sign Up Link: Urban Poverty– Cincinnati, OH
Costs of VOLbreaks
The 2024-2025 baseline price per participant is $175 for fall traveling trips, $250 for spring trips, and $75 for spring local immersion. The VOLbreaks program reserves the right to increase fees based on unforeseen trip expenses, but will make every effort to publicize this before accepting registrations.
Spring 2025 Trips & Spring Local Immersion!
In 2024-2025, VOLbreaks will host traditional spring VOLbreaks trips (March 15 – March 22) as well as a spring weekend local immersion (trip dates TBD).
Cost: $250 for traditional spring break trips, $75 for local immersion (includes transportation, educational and sight-seeing activities, meals, and a t-shirt)
VOLbreaks strives to be equitable and accessible in its programming.
Please feel free to contact Grace Hicks, VOLbreaks Educational Specialist, at gracehicks@utk.edu or 865-974-1039 with any questions, concerns, or needs for accommodation. We hope you will consider joining us for what will be a powerful and impactful experience!
“This was an unforgettable experience! It helped reassure me that UT was a good fit. It now feels more like a home after the way serving together helped us develop friendships.”