skip navigation

Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) programs give students the opportunity to devote their spring break to service and civic activities in communities dealing with social issues such as hunger, poverty, disaster relief and racism. This service-learning experience allows students to learn from the people and organizations they encounter, gain a better understanding of the world and become responsible citizens. It is a powerful week of reflection, service and team building that provides life changing experiences for everyone involved. Past ASB trips have included a Civil Rights Tour, a Technology Camp in Helena, Arkansas and Dream B.I.G. in Elaine, Arkansas.

The 2012 ASB initiatives were the Dream B.I.G. (Believing in Girls) camps in Fayetteville and Southwest Arkansas



Dream B.I.G. 2012 - Fayetteville

Dream B.I.G. 2012 in Fayetteville consisted of 30 female student mentors facilitating an overnight camp March 18-22 at Mount Sequoyah for 42 7th-12th grade girls from Marvell High School of the Arkansas Delta. Community leaders in the Marvell-Elaine school district have identified a strong need for positive role models to engage with the high population of teen girls living in conditions of poverty, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, high teenage pregnancy rates, high drop-out rates, and lack of motivation to pursue higher education. Dream B.I.G. Fayetteville created a cultural shift for the Marvell-Elaine girls by exposing them to an area of the state that is geographically and economically diverse with an emphasis in the arts and higher education.

Camp programming addressed self-esteem, goal-setting, team work, pursuit of higher education, and motivation to succeed and overcome challenges. Mentor relationships were established by dividing the mentors into small groups to allow for individual attention and trust-building. These mentor relationships will be continued following the conclusion of camp though virtual communication. The Dream B.I.G. Student Mentors partnered with community and campus resources to expose Marvell High School girls to a wide range of opportunities including a visit to the Boys and Girls Club, University of Arkansas campus, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

View the Fayetteville Dream B.I.G. 2012 photo and video montage.

*Follow us on Facebook and Twitter*

*Check out the 2011-2012 ASB Student Coordinators* Applications to become a 2012-2013 Dream B.I.G. Student Coordinator will be available in early of Fall 2012.


Dream B.I.G. 2012 - Southwest Arkansas

Dream B.I.G. 2012 in Southwest Arkansas was developed and executed by University Housing and consisted of ten female student mentors facilitating a girl empowerment day camp March 19-22 focused around the Texarkana/Hope area. This part of our great state gave us Silas Hunt, the first African-American student admitted to the U of A in the 20th century. Dream B.I.G. Southwest Arkansas student mentors assisted with developing the curriculum, leading lessons, playing games and leading team building activities with local girls.

View the Southwest Arkansas Dream B.I.G. photo montage here.


Questions about the ASB Dream B.I.G. program can be sent to Amanda Finch at acfinch@uark.edu.