Middlebury Alternative Break Program
The Middlebury Alternative Break Program connects students with community partners through immersive, community-engaged experiences focused on addressing public needs.
“I’ve been involved with the Middlebury Alternative Break Program since my first year, and now as a senior, I can confidently say it has been by far the most impactful part of my academic and professional journey at Middlebury.”
Trip leader and participant applications for '26-'27 will open in the Fall!
The Center for Community Engagement will offer two immersive, community-engaged trips during the ‘26-‘27 academic year. Applications for trip leaders and participants will open in early September and close in early October 2026. If you are interested in being a trip leader or participant, subscribe to our Weekly Opportunities E-Newsletter or follow us on instagram where we will share these and other opportunities.
News update for Middlebury Alternative Break Program for ‘26-‘27
Thank you to our ‘25-‘26 Alternative Break fabulous leaders and participants! Four amazing Alternative Break trips ran during Feb Break 2026. Due to recent staffing reductions, you can expect some changes to the program for the coming academic year, including fewer trips. We will be offering two trips, each trip led by two student co-leaders and offering ten participant spots on each trip. Applications for trip leaders and participants will open in September 2026. Both trips will offer one academic credit for both leaders and participants.
'26-'27 CCE Immersive Learning Trips
Trip #1: Washington DC, Democracy Initiatives
Advisor: CCE Staff,Jason Duquette Hoffman
Requirements: Application required. Academic credit, participation in two 1/2 credit courses required (one in the second half of the Fall semester, one in the first half of Spring semester).
Travel: Feb Break 2027
Trip #2: Northeast US City - TBD, Language Access,
Advisor: CCE Staff, Kristen Mullins
Requirements: application required. 1 credit
Travel: J-term or Feb break, TBD
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Alternative Break Program offer course credit?
Yes! This coming year, both trips will have an academic component, totaling 1 academic credit. Trips will either require enrollment in two 1/2 credit courses (one in the Fall and one in the Spring), or enrollment in a J-term course.
What if I can’t afford the trip?
All trips for the ‘26-‘27 year are free to leaders and participants.
Are trips student-led?
Trips are designed and led by two student co-leaders. This year, trips will have a trip advisor who will travel with the trip, be on-hand for logistics during the trip, and provide guidance in planning the trip.
What are the responsibilities of a trip leader, and how do I apply to lead a trip?
Trip co-leaders guide a group of 10 participants on an experience in which they learn about a social issue and work collaboratively with place-specific community partners in direct service or advocacy activities.
Co-leaders, supported by the CCE staff advisor and peer-leaders, are instrumental in planning the logistics of their trip. Trip co-leader responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Enrolling in a 1/2 credit course during the Fall and Spring semester or meeting regularly with the trip advisor during your Fall term (depending on the type of trip you are leading).
- Developing their trip’s focus, location, and learning objectives
- Building an itinerary by selecting community partners
- Building and maintaining a budget
- Arranging travel logistics
- Building community among the team as they prepare for the trip experience
Note: Depending on the trip, students may be required to be on campus for the Fall and Winter, or Fall, Winter and Spring semesters. You don’t need to have been on an Alternative Break trip before or have a full trip itinerary (or even social issue or location!) in mind to apply. Throughout the leadership selection process we’ll work with you to define those important aspects!
Are there other requirements for participating in a trip?
Participants must comply with all Middlebury College risk management protocols throughout the program; including but not limited to COVID policy – such as proof of vaccination and booster status. Program participants are also required to demonstrate appropriate medical insurance coverage; including international travel insurance for those traveling from outside the United States.
Where do trips travel?
This year, trips will be traveling by van to Washington DC and another urban center in the Northeastern U.S.
Do you love this program? Have input and ideas for us? We'd love to hear from you!
The Middlebury Alternative Break Program, known as ‘MAlt’, has been a beloved program at Middlelbury College for over 20 years! We’d love to hear from you if you have questions and/or ideas regarding program changes, potential community partners and destinations, and/or have stories of how this program has impacted your life. Please email Claire Tebbs: ctebbs@middlebury.edu
Contact Us
Claire Tebbs
Program Director
- Email:
- ctebbs@middlebury.edu
- Tel:
- (802) 443-4238
- Office:
- 26 Blinn Lane