For the past two fall breaks, biomedical engineering major Emelia Funnell has traveled to Asheville, North Carolina — but not for a leisurely weekend. She opts to spend her time away from Tech participating in Alternative Service Breaks (ASB).

ASB trips are group-oriented community service trips that promote student leadership development, personal reflection, and education around service issues. Applications are now open for 2018 spring break trips.

“When I returned to Asheville the second time, I was able to work with one of the same supervisors, Kenny,” said Funnell, who now serves as recruitment director for ASB at Georgia Tech. “Kenny’s level of dedication to the project and to serving the community was such an inspiration to me, and allowed me to realize my goal of achieving that same dedication to service.” Funnell has also traveled to Taos, New Mexico, serving with Habitat for Humanity.

This year's trips will take place during Georgia Tech's spring break, March 17-24, 2018. Applications are open for both leaders and participants. Students can choose from seven opportunities:

• Concord, North Carolina (Organization: Habitat for Humanity)
• Biloxi, Mississippi (Focus: Early Childhood Education)
• Jacksonville, Florida (Organization: Habitat for Humanity)
• Maryville, Tennessee (Organization: Once Upon a Time)
• Oakland, California (Focus: Community Sustainability)
• Dominican Republic (Focus: Teaching English)
• Matagalpa, Nicaragua (Focus: Environmental Preservation and Education)

Funnell encourages students to consider an ASB primarily for the connections made with others.

“The aspect of ASB that I value most is being able to make lasting bonds with a group of Georgia Tech students who come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life on campus, yet have similar values and motivation with regards to service,” she said.

Connections come with the community partners as well. During Funnell’s trip to New Mexico, the group was tasked with working on an adobe home that was being built for a woman, Vera, and her daughter. At the end of the second workday, Vera prepared a taco dinner for the participants.

“I can vividly remember us all sitting in a circle, listening to Vera’s story and truly gaining a greater perspective on her life,” Funnell said.

For spring break 2018, leader applications close Friday, Nov. 17, and participant applications close Sunday, Nov. 26.

Trips are also offered during fall, winter, and summer breaks. Learn more at the group’s Orgsync page.