Spring Break Programs

Sko Serve graphic

Go all in!

Sko Serve sends teams of college students to engage in meaningful service during their breaks from school. This week-long journey over spring break allows students to explore the United States while making a difference through service, reflecting upon their experience and creating long-lasting connections with others. To learn more, review the Sko Serve participant expectations. We hope you’ll be a part of this experience!

2025 Spring Break Information

  • Priority Application Opens: Nov. 11
  • Priority Application Closes: Dec. 8
  • Non-priority Application Opens: Dec. 9
  • Non-priority Application Closes: Feb. 6

Program Cost

There is an all-inclusive $100 fee required for participation (includes all costs associated with transportation, food, lodging and community partner fees). Students with financial need may indicate this on the application for financial assistance.

Information Sessions

By attending an information session, you will learn:

  • What you can expect
  • Cost and scholarship opportunities
  • What you’ll gain from the experience
  • How to apply

Spring 2025 dates:

  • Thursday, Jan. 16  | 4-5 p.m. | UMC 417
  • Thursday, Jan. 23  | 4-5 p.m. | UMC 417
  • Thursday, Jan. 29  | 4-5 p.m. | UMC 417

Donate to the Sko Serve Fund

Our goal is to make this transformative opportunity accessible to all students. Your generous donation will help lower participant costs for lodging, meals, and travel expenses. Join us in creating a positive impact—every contribution counts!

Spring 2025 Programs

Â鶹ӰԺ at the Border: Empathy Expedition (Led by the Service and Social Action LLC)

  Location: New Mexico
  Dates: Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29

This spring, we’ll travel to the border in New Mexico, where we will learn about immigration, laws, and what goes on at the border. We’ll explore the different stakeholders involved in immigration issues and work closely with different community partners who have a long history of working at the border. In this program, you will be deeply immersed in teamwork and education and gain valuable skills in this one-of-a-kind experience.  

Meet the Site Leaders: Hi! We’re Cody Campos (he/him) and Lauren Everett (she/her) and we’re so excited to be site leaders for Â鶹ӰԺ at the Border: Empathy Expedition! Both of us are peer mentors in the Service and Social Action LLC, and we’re thrilled to be leading the inaugural LLC Sko Serve Spring Break trip! Cody is a junior studying biomedical engineering from Denver, CO, and Lauren is a sophomore studying marketing and environmental studies from The Woodlands, TX. We’re excited to be part of this Sko Serve trip and we love how this program provides the chance for students to immerse yourself in a new community in a meaningful way. Join us this spring break for an unforgettable week of service, education and fun times!  

Two site leaders

Buffs in the Badlands: Feeding South Dakota Together

  Location: South Dakota
  Dates: Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29

Spend your spring break in the rugged Badlands of South Dakota to support a local hunger-relief initiative with fellow Buffs. Through hands-on service, you’ll meet new people, gain valuable insight into the realities of food insecurity, and see firsthand how it affects diverse communities. This is a prime opportunity to make a difference by directly engaging in meaningful tasks that support those in need. Join with your friends, and potential new ones, in this unique opportunity to bring Â鶹ӰԺ’s spirit of service to South Dakota.  

Meet the Site Leaders: What’s up gang! We’re your site leaders, Chandler Farnsworth (he/him) and Zach Roberson (he/him), and we couldn’t be more excited to gallivant with y’all to the Badlands! We’re leading a group to South Dakota where we will work together to fight against the local food insecurity in the community. If you’re looking to participate in an unforgettable spring break trip full of service, new friendships, and plenty of Buff pride - join us in the heart of South Dakota and make Ralphie proud! 

Site leaders

A Break to Aid Homelessness

  Location: Utah
  Dates: Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29

Join us on our Sko Serve trip where we will support the long-term stability of the unhoused population by working at shelters, serving meals, sorting donations, and engaging in community events. You’ll have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the systemic barriers that perpetuate homelessness. Together, we’ll work with a volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome homelessness.

Meet the Site Leaders: Hi! We are Maria (she/her) and Aishani (she/her) and we’re excited to be your site leaders for this trip! We are both from Colorado and enjoy cooking, hiking, and trying new things. Maria is a sophomore studying psychology (pre-health) and Aishani is a sophomore studying electrical engineering. Our goal over this week is to foster a supportive environment where everyone can learn, serve, and reflect on housing and homelessness issues. We’re excited to embark on this Sko Serve journey to Utah with you!

Site leaders

Project Breakthrough: Empowering and Elevating Youth

  Location: Missouri
  Dates: Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 30

Join us this spring break for a meaningful service trip dedicated to empowering young people and uplifting families affected by poverty. Students will be working with a non-profit organization focused on providing a safe, loving and educational environment for children in poverty and empowering their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education. In this program, students will engage directly with families and the community, providing essential support and making a positive impact.  

Meet the Site Leaders: Hey Buffs! Our names are Giana Rocha (she/her) and Whitney Thong (she/her) and we are thrilled to be this year’s site leaders for the Sko Serve Program Project Breakthrough: Empowering and Elevating Youth. Giana is a junior from Brighton, Colorado studying political science. Whitney is a sophomore from Alamosa, Colorado studying molecular biology on the pre-medicine track.

We both are super passionate about youth empowerment and family advocacy. This program is a great opportunity to learn about an important issue surrounding equitable access to safe and loving educational environments for the youth population. Join us this spring break for an unforgettable adventure where you’ll not only recharge your spirits but also make a lasting impact on other people’s lives.

Site leaders

Voices for the Voiceless: Preserving Animal Welfare

  Location: Tennessee
  Dates: Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 30

Spend your spring break addressing animal welfare by supporting the preservation of wildlife. Our week will include learning about animal welfare, socializing dogs, cleaning kennels, and filling holes with gravel.

Meet the Site Leaders: Hello! Our names our Ivy Gannon (she/her) and Deztine Carter (she/her), and we are so excited to be leading Voices for the Voiceless! Ivy is a Sociology major, and Dez is an Ethnic Studies major. Ivy currently works as a caretaker for a man with Down syndrome, and Dez works as an Executive Director for Program Council. We are both very dedicated to helping animals in need and supporting their health and wellness! We are excited to lead this program because Sko Serve provides so many opportunities to learn about critical issues and give back while having a fun, community-centered spring break. Join us on a week-long program to address animal welfare in Tennessee through caretaking and bonding of rescued dogs. Together, we will do great service and have a fulfilling spring break!

Site leaders

Tides of Tomorrow: Coastal Restoration Efforts

  Location: California
  Dates: Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 30

Join us for an unforgettable spring break dedicated to coastal restoration! On this trip, you will take part in service work including maintaining trails, removing invasive species, taking part in beach clean-ups, and supporting plant nurseries. You’ll also get to enjoy hiking, beach views, seeing wildlife, and birdwatching. This program combines meaningful conservation efforts with outdoor adventure and fun!

Meet the Site Leaders: Hello! We’re Chandan Varma (he/him) and Rose Valdez (she/her), and we’re your site leaders for this exciting and impactful spring break! Chandan is a PhD student in aerospace engineering, and Rose is an undergrad majoring in integrative physiology. We’re excited to work alongside a fantastic group of CU students!

This program will take you out of the classroom and into nature, where we’ll tackle real conservation projects to protect and restore coastal ecosystems. Whether it’s fixing trails, removing invasive species, or supporting plant nurseries, you’ll make a real impact. Along the way, you’ll challenge yourself, make new friends, and gain a greater appreciation for
environmental preservation. Prepare for a week of growth, adventure, and connection
an unforgettable experience awaits!

Site leaders

Past Programs

2024 Sko Serve Spring Break Programs
  • Description: Spend your spring break addressing food insecurity by strengthening local food systems and community gardens. Our week will include learning about food insecurity and community gardens, running a gardening club and teaching kids! Join us as we partner with an organization that is dedicated to addressing food insecurity through community connections and agricultural projects! 
  • Location: Oregon
  • Dates: Saturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hello! Our names are Hayley Thomas (she/her) and Bryce Bennett (he/they), and we are so excited to be leading Ex-seeding Expectations: Community Gardening and Food Insecurity! Hayley is a senior majoring in international affairs, and Bryce is a sophomore in integrated design engineering. Hayley works for the Basic Needs Center, and Bryce works for the Volunteer Resource Center; as such, we both are very passionate about and dedicated to fighting food insecurity! We are excited to lead this program because Alternative Breaks provides great opportunities to learn about an important issue and give back while having a fun, community-centered spring break. Join us on a week-long program to address food insecurity in the Pacific Northwest through gardening and education. Together, we will have a great Alternative Break!

  • Description: Join us this spring break and help develop programs for youth facing significant life challenges. Specifically, youth living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ young people. You will help prepare summer camp programs where campers can build community, confidence and memories while having fun in a welcoming and supportive setting! You will also learn about these challenges and help stop the stigma when returning to your CU Â鶹ӰԺ community. So don’t worry, your service will not end on the last day of spring break.
  • Location: Minnesota
  • Dates: Saturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024 

Meet the Site Leaders

Greetings! Our names are Blanca Cerda (she/her) and Trishala Thakur (she/her). We are thrilled to lead The Stigma Stops: Camps for Youth Facing Challenges! Blanca is a senior majoring in neuroscience with a minor in sociology. Trishala is a graduate student pursuing her master's in data science. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of Alternative Breaks. This program not only allows us to serve others but also educate ourselves on different issues that affect the communities we enter. Join us for a week of intentional service as we break the stigma!

  • Description: Join us this spring break for an immersive program of understanding and impacting homelessness in an urban environment. Our program will engage with the local community by learning about their culture and creating bonds through teamwork-oriented activities that provide opportunities to learn life skills. The week will be spent volunteering at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other agencies while learning to become active citizens.
  • Location: Ohio
  • Dates: Saturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hi, cutie patooties! We are Alex (she/her) and CJ (he/his), the co-site leaders from the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) for the upcoming Alternative Spring Breaks Program! Alex is a sophomore majoring in urban planning and is excited to be returning to Alternative Breaks as a site leader this year! CJ is also a sophomore majoring in molecular cellular and developmental biology and is also the director of membership development with the NRHH! We are thrilled to be leading this program to assist the Homeless Coalition in Ohio! Our goal is to develop a more mindful relationship with our community through service-learning and recognition. We hope you will gain unforgettable experiences and friendships through this program!

  • Description: Spend your spring break volunteering with Habitat for Humanity! This program will address issues around affordable housing and indigenous rights, and you will be helping to construct and repair homes on a reservation in South Dakota. You will be engaging and immersing yourself within the Crow Creek community and get the chance to bring more affordable housing to the reservation! 
  • Location: South Dakota
  • Dates: Saturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hello, Buffs! Our names are Whitney Shapiro(she/her) and Orla McGrath (she/her) and we are so excited to be leading this Alternative Breaks program! Orla is a senior studying English and journalism, and Whitney is studying math. Orla and Whitney are both passionate about service work, and engage with it frequently, this is Whitney's second time going on AB.  We were drawn to Alternative Breaks because of its opportunity to engage in mindful service outside of our everyday community.

  • Description: Participants in this program will be exposed to a comprehensive spectrum of views about immigration and the borderlands by visiting local organizations that work with immigrant populations, learning about immigration law, and building an understanding of economic policies and realities affecting people on the border. This program is sponsored by the Casey Feldman Foundation! All students wanting to be considered for this trip must submit a short statement on their interest in participating in this program. Any student selected for this trip will be required to share a headshot and a short story or essay about their experience on Alternative Breaks to be shared on the Casey Feldman Foundation website.
  • Location: New Mexico
  • Dates: Saturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hi, my name is David Debretsion. I’m a second year biomedical engineering student, and I’m from Aurora, Colorado. I went on a spring break program of my own last spring and learned a great deal from my experience, so I wanted to try leading one this time around. This is my first year as a site leader, so it will be just as much of a learning process for me as it will you all, so I’m excited to go on this journey with you all! And I'm Sophie -- I'm from the Chicago area. I'm a Sophomore with a double major in psychology and journalism. Outside of school, I love to do art, hike, garden, cook, skateboard, and volunteer of course. I am so happy I get to be part of the Volunteer Resource Center, and help inspire other students to contribute positively to their communities.

  • Description: Spend your spring break with Tennessee State Parks and leave a mark that will last a lifetime. Climate action and resilience are at the forefront of everyone's mind, pitch in and help do your part this spring break. Through your efforts, you will be able to spend your spring break dedicated to the preservation and conservation of a multitude of various species of wildlife including animals, plants, and insects. Working with a local community partner we will work to restore the environment and help maintain this historic site. Our group will engage in several service activities like shoreline cleanup, trail work, invasive species cleanup, and more. Join us in safeguarding the biodiversity of this historic site, and making transformative memories within your college career.
  • Location: Tennessee
  • Dates: Saturday, March 23–Sunday, March 31, 2024

Meet the Site Leaders

Hey, Buffs! Our names are Giana Rocha (she/her) and Mohamed Osman (he/him) and we are absolutely thrilled to be this year’s site leaders for the Alternative Breaks Program Resilient Roots; Historical Habitat Preservation.

Giana is a sophomore from Brighton, Colorado studying Political Science. Mohamed is a sophomore from Denver, Colorado studying Philosophy.

We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Alternative Breaks (AB) this year. We both had the opportunity to participate in an AB program last year and agree the experience was nothing short of life-changing. AB gave us the opportunity to give back through service, be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and create lifelong bonds. This spring break, we are excited to come back and create similar experiences for more Buffs! Join us this spring break for an unforgettable eco-adventure, where you'll not only recharge your spirits but also make a lasting impact on the planet.