A Spring Break with a Purpose
Two States. 23 Students. 920 Hours of Impact.
2025 Alternative Break Recap
While many students used Spring Break to relax and unwind, 23 incredible UM students traded their beach towels for work boots and chose to use their spring break to make a difference by embarking on two life-changing Alternative Breaks through ELCS's Career Days initiative. These service-learning trips took students beyond the classroom and into communities in Seattle, WA and Point Reyes, CA, where they combined hard work with deep learning, connection, and adventure.
Seattle Cohort – Standing With Youth Experiencing Homelessness
In a city where nearly 1,100 youth face homelessness each night, 13 UM students stepped up in a big way. Partnering with nine nonprofit organizations, the group immersed themselves in the heart of Seattle’s fight against housing and food insecurity.
Each day brought a new mission—whether it was prepping and serving meals at community kitchens, deep-cleaning transitional shelters to provide safe, welcoming spaces, or assembling weekend food kits for students who might otherwise go without. These Griz didn’t just lend a hand—they jumped in with both feet, helping cook, clean, organize, and connect with the community.
And the impact? Nearly 2,000 meals served, countless conversations had, and multiple spaces transformed. The students also spent time engaging with unhoused youth through crafts and games—building trust, empathy, and community in meaningful ways.
But this trip was about more than just service—it was about perspective. In between projects, students explored Seattle’s iconic landmarks—from ferry rides across Puget Sound to the hum of Pike Place Market and the depth of history found in local museums. The city became a classroom, and the people they served became teachers, and friends.
California Cohort – Restoring Nature and Protecting Endangered Species
At Point Reyes National Seashore, 12 students put on their work gloves to help protect one of the last remaining native dune habitats in the U.S. With the U.S. National Park Service, they tackled the restoration of over 5 acres of fragile dune ecosystems—the equivalent of four football fields.
Their work was part of a larger mission to protect endangered species like the Western Snowy Plover and Myrtle’s Silverspot Butterfly, both of which rely on these habitats for survival. Students learned firsthand how invasive plant species threaten native landscapes and what it takes to bring an ecosystem back into balance.
Beyond the restoration work, the natural beauty of California’s coast became part of the journey. Students watched gray whales migrate past the Point Reyes Lighthouse, spotted Tule elk at Tomales Point, and got an up-close look at elephant seals lounging at Drakes Bay. The week closed with a walk through Muir Woods’ ancient redwoods and a full day of community immersion in San Francisco, where students reflected on how urban and wild environments intersect.
This trip wasn't just a break from campus—it was a powerful reminder of our role as stewards of the planet.
And the impact doesn’t stop there.
Many of the students who participated in these Alternative Breaks are continuing their service journey right here in Missoula—earning academic credit while deepening their commitment to community engagement. These students will partner with a local nonprofit whose mission aligns with the focus of their spring break trip, and over the remainder of the semester, they'll volunteer their time, apply what they learned on their trip, and bring that energy and insight back to our own community. Whether they are supporting people experiencing homelessness or contributing to local conservation efforts, these Griz are proving that service isn’t just a week-long experience—it’s a mindset and a movement that will continue long after the trip ends.
✨ Across both trips, students didn’t just volunteer—they grew as leaders, built lasting friendships, and discovered new passions. Combined, they logged over 920 hours of service—a powerful reminder of what Griz can do when they choose to step outside their comfort zones and into (and beyond) their communities.
👏 A huge shoutout to these inspiring students for embodying what it means to learn, serve, and grow. This is the heart of what Alternative Breaks are all about.
If you want to learn more about participating in an Alternative Breaks trip, check out our Alternative Breaks page or view the trip form the students prospective on our (in the volunteering highlight).