By KRISTEN MIGLIOZZI
Contributing Writer
Each year, Allegheny offers students the option of going on an alternative spring break, where students who are interested in service can help in communities near and far.
This year, Allegheny has arranged for four different options for students to choose from.
The trips will run during the week of spring break, which begins March 15 and concludes on March 22. The destinations include: Laughlin Memorial Chapel in Wheeling, West Virginia, Cranks Creek Survival Center in Cranks, Kentucky, Lake Effect Leaders Program in Erie and Crawford County Pennsylvania, and finally, a new location, Step by Step in the Big Ugly Community Center in Harts, West Virginia. The total cost per participant is $125 which includes food, housing, and transportation for the week.
“These locations are on-going national partnerships with Allegheny,” said Associate Director of Community Service and Service-Learning Jamie Williams.
Students interested in signing up for one of the four trips will provide services for these areas while also learning about local and national communities.
“Students get out of it what they put into it,” Williams said There is a lot of hard work but they get to have fun too. Students get a chance to learn about themselves and the new communities they are in.”
The service project located closest to Allegheny College is the Lake Effect Leaders Program., which allows students to work with local youths.
One student participating in the trip to Erie and Crawford County is senior Autumn Vogel.
“I am excited for the opportunity to actively engage in the local community in a way I wouldn’t be able to when classes are in session,” Vogel said.
Vogel says that she is most looking forward to making an impact locally, learning for the community, and facilitating a safe space where other students can do the same.
Also joining Vogel on the Erie and Crawford County trip is Leanne Siwicki, ’16.
“I think it’ll be a great experience for anyone looking to explore the area around the college,” Siwicki said.
