Twenty-six Adelphi University students will combine learning with making a difference this winter when they travel to Puerto Rico Jan. 7-11, 2019, to assist in the continuing relief efforts following Hurricane Maria.
While in Puerto Rico, student-volunteers will spend time at a local orphanage and school, in addition to assisting in Hurricane Maria relief projects.
Service may change based off of the need of the community when the group arrives. In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, killing thousands of people, and devastating communities, many of which are still rebuilding and are in need of help.
Since 2008, Adelphi has offered its students the chance to participate in Alternative Break Programs during their winter or spring breaks. The programs are designed to give students the opportunity to engage in social awareness and action by participating in community service projects, develop leadership skills and explore new cultures.
“We began offering alternative break programs to provide our students with opportunities to give back in meaningful ways, learn things about themselves and others, and experience a different culture, community and/or geographic location, ” said Jeffrey Kessler, Adelphi University assistant vice president and dean of student affairs. “Just because students have a scheduled break from classes doesn’t mean they can’t do something worthwhile during that time.”
While students pay most of their own expenses, Alternative Break Programs are partly underwritten by Adelphi’s Student Government Association and Graduate Student Council. In addition, the SGA sponsor two undergraduate students by providing a scholarship for the full cost of the trip.
Most recently, students spent their alternative breaks volunteering in Houston for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and in San Francisco assisting in environmental projects, including restoring community spaces. Other past program locations include, New Orleans, South Florida, Dominican Republic, Belize, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
