Swapping Sun for Service

Roger Williams University students forgo vacations in sunny places to lead service-oriented projects locally and abroad

Students inside a house built for Habitat for Humanity

Hundreds of Roger Williams University students skipped the traditional fun and carefree Spring Break getaway and instead led service projects both locally and abroad. 

From conducting environmental law research for area nonprofits to bringing basic healthcare supplies and providing health services to small villages in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, these service-oriented projects truly embrace RWU's core values of commitment to the community through service, collaboration of students and faculty and appreciation of global perspectives.

Two of the Alternative Spring Break projects were aimed at helping American families rebuild. Twenty students traveled to New Orleans to help repair homes of families who still have not recovered from Hurricane Katrina through Project Homecoming. And through Habitat for Humanity, a group of 17 students built homes for low-income families, and help to eliminate poverty housing, in Manistique, Michigan.

Near and far, RWU students worked together to help drive an immediate and lasting impact on their communities and around the world, while building leadership skills and forging new friendships.

This slideshow below offers some favorite photographs from the Alternative Spring Break trips — more may be added as they are sent.