Alternative Spring Break Group Leaders will work with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life to develop an immersive learning experience that will position participants effectively as knowledgeable advocates and active, engaged co-creators of a thriving democracy and civic culture. 

Topics will emerge from Group Leaders’ curiosity about Baltimore and social issues. 

Past Group Leaders have explored a variety of questions, such as: 

• How do people who have been formerly incarcerated transition back to living and working in Baltimore? What can be done to support that transition?  
• What are the difficulties and barriers that people experiencing homelessness face in Baltimore and what can be done to mitigate those issues? 
• How are food disparities created, perpetuated, and challenged in Baltimore? 
• How do the arts support community empowerment and well-being in Baltimore? 

Applicants can choose to explore those questions or propose new ones. 

Ideally group leaders will work in pairs (two leaders for each group, sharing responsibilities). You can identify your potential partner when you apply or we can propose matches for you. Working in pairs is not a requirement, but in our experience it works very well.

Now colleges and universities themselves are pulling together more permanent solutions, often in collaboration with local housing authorities and non-profit partners.

In some cases, colleges and universities are trying to avoid losing enrollment; not surprisingly, students in unstable living environments or who can't afford food have poorer physical health, symptoms of depression and psychological stress, and are more likely to drop out, research shows.

"Higher education is not a social service agency, and we recognize that," says Ed Mirecki, dean of students at the University of Washington–Tacoma... "But on the other hand, if we really are focused on increasing access and providing these [educational] opportunities for students, we have an obligation to help support their success and that means creating these support structures around affordable housing and food insecurity.""

Retriever Essentials is proud to be on the forefront of addressing basic needs insecurity in our campus community. Visit our website to find more information on referral services on and off campus that can help you find security and provide a structured pathway to academic success!