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Jan and Bud Richter Center

Alternative Breaks

Fresno State's Alternative Breaks program provides students with multi-day service opportunities during one of the traditional school breaks.

The Alternative Break Program offers students the opportunity to work alongside their Fresno State peers while benefiting the local community through a variety of service opportunities.

student volunteers posing by statue

The Fresno State Alternative Break Program has been providing students with opportunities to support the local community since 2001. Student teams work together at a variety of sites throughout the region. There are numerous benefits to participating in the Alternative Break Program, such as:

  • Developing leadership skills through team building, communication, and coordination.
  • Networking with other students and community benefit organizations.
  • Enhancing personal and professional development.
  • Completing 25-30 community service hours.
  • Making a difference in the lives of our community members!

For questions or for more information about Alternative Breaks, contact Kayla Ferreira at kferreira@csufresno.edu.

student volunteers building home

Alternative Spring Break 2026!

Join Fresno State’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) 2026 and make a meaningful impact in our community! Selected students will serve on one of three community-based project teams:

Shinzen Friendship Garden – Support habitat restoration, native wildlife preservation, and environmental beautification.

Betty Rodriguez Library – Assist with and lead art workshops for the community, with artwork featured at the library’s Art Hop.

City Center (Every Neighborhood Partnership) – Facilitate crafts and physical activities for local youth.

Program Requirements:

  • Attend all assigned service days during Spring Break (dates/times vary by site)
  • Participate in a mandatory pre-service training on Saturday, March 28 (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
  • Attend a post-service meeting on Wednesday, April 8 (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM) (excused with documented class conflict)

Program Benefits:

  • Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
  • Network with students and community organizations
  • Gain over 20 service hours
  • Enhance personal and professional growth
  • Make a difference in the Fresno community

All applicants must submit an online application and complete an in-person interview in March. Participants should be committed, community-minded, and ready to serve—and have fun!

Application Deadline: March 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply Here!

For questions, contact: kferreira@csufresno.edu