Alternative Spring Break 2K16

Ianiz Patchedjiev, Staff Writer

NJIT has proudly hosted its Alternative Spring Break Program again this year in order to give students the opportunity to volunteer and help the communities of Newark and other parts of New Jersey during their spring breaks.

The Alternative Spring Break Program has registered over 1,100 volunteers to date as well as 12,000 logged hours by students and alumni. Students were sent several emails inviting them to sign up and attend the kick off event on March 11 at the 2nd Floor Ballroom in the Campus Center. Once registered with the program, participants were able to pick and choose from an array of projects across Newark and other parts of New Jersey. Programs included gardening, cleanup, construction, and restoration at schools, museums, and other public spaces. The best part was that most programs offered free meals, transportation, t-shirts, and perhaps most importantly, experience with tools and communication.

Students were able to attend the Community Garden Beautification Project in Newark on March 12 and the Habitat Build for a new home in Bergenfield on March 15. The leaders of these two events gave me valuable knowledge in both gardening and construction. Students learned how to plant vegetables and properly drill and saw pieces of wood. Overall, the events were a great way to gain community service hours and the program is highly recommended to any students looking to give back to the Newark community and/or obtain community service hours.