DETROIT – As Spring Break season hits, a destination vacation will not be in the plans for many college students.
A growing number of students are choosing to roll up their sleeves and put in time to participate in community service projects.
Alternative Spring Break programs are becoming increasingly popular across college and university communities.
A large group of students from Wayne State University were all smiles as they walked into Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit. The group planned to help the nonprofit tackle different projects.
“We really appreciate it,” said Christopher Rutherford, Executive Director of ASW Detroit. “You guys could be out partying somewhere. Instead, you volunteered to help us.”
The volunteers are among a growing number of Wayne State University students participating in an Alternative Spring Break program. They will spend four days volunteering at over two dozen sites across metro Detroit.
They helped ASW Detroit deconstruct and repurpose old building materials, among other projects.
“The most impactful thing I feel like I could do is volunteer and use my time to do that,” said Adam Andrews. “So, I feel like that’s the main reason why I wanted to do it. Because I feel like it’s the most efficient use of my time.”
Wayne State University and Share Detroit partnered to place volunteers with various nonprofit organizations that could use their help.
“I think students are always looking for ways to get involved,” said Brandon Shamoun, Assistant Dean of Students. “Not only in Midtown and Downtown Detroit, but also trying to see what else they can do in the community, in different neighborhoods of Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.”
The students will be putting in over 750 service hours during Spring Break. That’s like last week when a group of Howard University students spent time at Stevenson Elementary School in Southfield. They helped students with reading and other educational classwork assignments.
“Yeah, it’s slightly different than the traditional Spring Break,” said Shanel Mascarenhas.
The volunteers are intentional about their decision to skip a traditional Spring Break Vacation. They’ve seen how cities like Miami are making headlines right now, enforcing rules and restrictions to crack down on rowdy Spring Break crowds.
“Here’s we’ll meet a lot of new people,” said Mascarenhas. “Get to see a lot of new faces and just do service together. It’s a great way to bond.”