You are invited to participate in BSU's Alternative Spring Break (ASB) 2023, a service learning and cultural immersion experience during Spring Break 2023.
We will travel to Charleston, South Carolina from Friday, March 17 through Friday, 24, 2023.
Approximately 20 BSU Bulldogs from diverse majors, classifications and graduate degree programs will be selected to participate in ASB 2023. Several BSU faculty and staff will prepare the group for this experience and serve as ASB Chaperones.
Applications will be accepted and approved on a rolling basis starting on Friday, February 17 until all spaces are filled. However, we aim to include as many students as possible that are interested and seek diverse representation of students across majors, classifications, backgrounds and interests.
Please plan to attend the Virtual ASB 2023 Interest Meeting this Friday, February 17 at 1pm to learn more details.
Open Minds + Open Hearts
The mission of ASB is to offer students:
- enriching, interactive hands-on community service and leadership development opportunities
- meaningful cultural excursions to deepen awareness and understanding of the rich history and heritage of people of African descent
- novel experiences that will challenge perceptions and inspire self-reflection and future aspirations
- a refreshing and rewarding off-campus adventure and chance to bond with students and faculty across campus
- an amazing, memorable and and life-changing Spring Break
Our Theme
The theme of ASB 2023 is Black Resistance to Cultural Erosion.
This will be explored through several cultural experiences before and during the trip.
We will also take a deeper dive into historical and current examples of Black Resistance and consider how to address the ever-present threat of erasing and eroding our cultural legacy and knowledge of self.
Transformative Experiences
One unique experience will be to learn and serve at the Oyotunji African Village, an authentic African compound in rural South Carolina.
ASB 2023 Participation Perks
The following will be provided at no cost to ASB 2023 participants:
- Round-trip motorcoach bus transportation
- Hotel accommodations
- Most meals
- BSU gear to wear during service activities
- Service-related supplies
- Written confirmation of community service hours completed (provided upon return to campus).
During travel, students will fund any additional purchases (e.g., souveniers, snacks, etc.)
Once selected, ASB participants will be required to submit a $100 refundable deposit to secure your space in this program.
Participants will also be required to participate in teambuilding activities, professional development and leadership training to prepare to be excellent BSU Ambassadors. There will also be workshops to more learn about the Charleston culture and communities that we will impact.
ASB 23 Eligibility Requirements
Approximately 20 students will be selected for this experience.
No prior experience with ASB, service learning or travel is required. Just an open mind and willingness to serve.
A student interested in participating in ASB 2023 must meet each of the following criteria:
- 18 years or older
- a BSU undergraduate or graduate student
- currently enrolled in Spring 2023
- have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher as of Spring 2023 (unofficial transcript must be uploaded into the online application)
- must not have any judicial or code of conduct violations
- must be available to participate for the full duration of ASB 2023 (Friday, 3/17 - Friday, 3/24)
Secured Spot
Upon notice of being selected, ASB participants will be required to submit a $100 refundable deposit to secure their space in this program.
How to Apply
The following steps need to be completed preferably before Sunday, February 19, 2023 (however, applications will continue to be accepted until all spaces are filled).
- Download your unofficial transcript from Bulldog Connect.
- Request a letter of recommendation from a BSU faculty, staff or administrator
- Complete the brief online application (where you will upload your unofficial transcript)
- Create a brief video response to required application questions on Flip.com (using the link provided in the email confirmation after submitting the online application).
As a reminder, upon notice of being selected, ASB participants will be required to submit a $100 refundable deposit to secure your space in this program.
Questions? Comments! or Curiosities?!
Send an email to Dr. Janay Carpenter (jcarpenter@bowiestate.edu) or Dr. Ayanna Lynch (alynch@bowiestate.edu)
Thanks so much, Bowie Bold Bulldog, for your interest in ASB 2023.
We hope that you can join us!
Credits:
Created with images by Joanne Dale - "Charleston, South Carolina is home to a large and beautiful historic district. Famous Rainbow Row is seen here, a block of 13 colourful Georgian houses, each privately owned." • kevers - "Hotel Sign" • trongnguyen - "Paper cut hands isolated" • carballo - "young woman or girl with laptop at home or apartment" • Prostock-studio - "Closeup of happy black guy playing video games on laptop"