What is Alternative Spring Break?
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a FREE service-learning program for Northwestern undergrads who want to become active, compassionate citizens. Spend your break doing hands-on work with Chicago non-profits to learn about social justice issues right here in Chicago.
You'll engage in a transformative experience of service, reflection, and community building. ASB combines social justice education with immersive community experiences and robust reflection to help you truly understand and engage with pressing social issues.
What You'll Gain
- Deep self-knowledge and a greater understanding of how social justice plays out in Chicago.
- The chance to meet amazing local leaders, engage in meaningful service, and build new friendships within the group.
- A break from academic pressure, offering fun, rest, and rejuvenation so you feel renewed and more connected to the city before Spring Quarter begins.
Key Details & Program Info
- Location/Housing: Stay together at the Chicago Hi Hostel in downtown Chicago and use CTA for travel.
- What you'll do: Work in small groups (30 participants total) Monday-Thursday with one of our community partners (e.g., urban garden, food pantry, or local elementary school). Evenings include required group reflection and community activities.
- Commitment: Must refrain from drugs and alcohol during the program. New applicants will be prioritized.
Important Timeline
- Application Due: Sunday, January 24 by 11:59 PM
- Invitations to Participate Sent: On Friday, January 29
- Required Orientation Meetings (to secure your spot):
- Friday, February 5, 5:15–6:15 PM
- Friday, March 12, 5:15–6:15 PM
Note: Classes resume Tuesday, March 30. You'll have the weekend and Monday (March 29) for yourself before the quarter begins.
Ready to apply? Application will go live on this site on Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Questions? Email Val Buchanan at val.buchanan@northwestern.edu
What can I expect?
Expect to learn A LOT about yourself, how to get around Chicago, and how social issues play out in this city. You will get to know some amazing local leaders and build new friendships! There will be opportunities to unplug from the pressures of the academic year and get renewed for the spring quarter feeling more rooted in place and connected with your neighbors. ASB participants will do hands-on work with nonprofits in Chicago that challenge participants to think critically and compassionately, with the goal of becoming active citizens dedicated to pursuing a more just world.
ASB participants (a total of 30 people) stay together in community at the Chicago Hi Hostel in downtown Chicago and travel by CTA trains/buses to get around the city. Each ASB participant will be in a small group who will serve together Monday-Thursday during the day at a local Chicago nonprofit or urban farm. Being involved with the same community partner for 4 days in a row enables deeper relationships to form! Each evening, all ASB participants will engage together in learning/reflection and community-building activities.
How much will it cost?
ASB participants' spring break experience is heavily supported by Northwestern; therefore, this program is free for those selected to participate.
How do I apply?
Applications open in December 2026.
What are the expectations for ASB members?
- Fully participate in the activities of the week
- Attend 2 preparation meetings after selected to complete paperwork and get oriented
- Refrain from using drugs or alcohol for the duration of the program
- Soak in all the learning, reflection, and opportunities for growth you can
FAQs
Can I come late or leave early from ASB?
No. ASB participants will be expected to participate for the duration of the program from Friday dinner on March 19 until 12pm on Friday, March 26. Special note: ASB runs Friday, March 19 - Friday, March 26, but spring quarter classes do not start until Tuesday, March 30. This means you still have a long weekend to rest, play, or do other traveling before spring classes begin!
Campus housing will be open for you to return, or you could make other plans.
How will transportation / housing / food work during ASB?
You will be given a 7-day CTA pass that will cover all your train or bus trips during the ASB program. You will always be traveling in large or small groups, never alone.
The Hi Hostel is located at 24 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. in downtown Chicago, a convenient location for traveling all around the city. It is an extremely comfortable and clean facility with professional staff. ASB Northwestern students will stay in rooms together (10 per room, with everybody having their own bed) and shared bathrooms.
The Hi Hostel serves a continental breakfast every morning for all guests. We will be utilizing a local, family-owned catering company to provide our ASB lunches and dinners. All dietary restrictions will be accommodated. All food costs are included with no extra costs for participants.
Can I sign up with some friends?
Sure, all current undergraduate NU students are welcome to apply. Each individual must complete their own application, but you can specify that you are applying with a friend(s) in the application so we can take that into consideration for room assignments and service teams whenever possible.
What if I need medical care during ASB?
ASB is supported by staff who will be on-site at the Hi Hostel and can assist any participant who needs to seek out medical care at any time during the program.