Middlebury Alternative Break (MAlt)

The goal of MAlt is to engage Middlebury students with communities across the nation and the globe in order to share an experience, provide service where service is needed, and learn about the systems that shape community realities around the world.

Social issues in the past have included: environmental conservation, gender equity, migrant justice, education access, anti-racism, food systems, and more. They have traveled to communities in places such as Boston, MA; Washington DC; Puerto Rico; San Diego, CA; San Antonio, TX; New York, NY; and beyond! 

‘24-‘25 MAlt Trips:

Environmental Justice in Los Angeles, California: In recent years, environmental changes have affected urban areas like Los Angeles, California, in significant ways. Here, communities deal with challenges like limited access to fresh food, pollution, and water shortages. For this trip, a select group of Middlebury students will have the opportunity to explore environmental justice through hands-on experiences. Participants will volunteer at Mudtown Farms and help grow fresh produce for local residents, work with Scope LA to learn about grassroots activism, and engage in urban forestry with TreePeople. This journey will engage students with a wide range of topics, including what causes climate change, what we can do to help the environment, and how our various identities inform our relationships with the environment. Trip leaders: Maryam Junaid and Sofiia Tretiak

Immigration Advocacy in Washington DC: Immigrants build America, and for centuries, they have come to this country to pursue the American dream. Our trip to Washington DC will focus on immigration and humanitarian relief, aiming to develop action plans for both DC and immigrant communities in Vermont. We strive to educate participants on becoming effective community advocates and foster constructive dialogue on immigration through mutual understanding and respect. We will collaborate with numerous advocacy groups and organizations in DC who work hard to protect immigrant rights, provide legal assistance, and support the community. Trip leaders: Abraham Sierra and Laura Page

Housing Advocacy in Puerto Rico: Housing advocacy in Puerto Rico is a critical response to the ongoing housing crisis, worsened by recent hurricanes that have left many communities in urgent need of rebuilding. Despite some progress, the demand for safe and resilient homes remains pressing, impacting not only housing security but also the broader issues of economic stability and disaster preparedness. However, housing advocacy in Puerto Rico encompasses much more than the construction of homes; it involves a deeper understanding of the connections between housing, culture, and community resilience. This trip will focus on working with Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations to implement sustainable housing solutions, while also exploring the cultural, economic, and social factors that are integral to this work. In addition to participating in hands-on construction, we will engage with local communities to better understand the challenges they face, such as community organization, and disaster recovery, which play key roles in the broader discourse on housing justice. By participating in this trip, you will join a comprehensive effort to address these issues, gaining a nuanced understanding of Puerto Rican society and how its culture and history shape housing needs. Whether you have experience in construction or are simply eager to contribute, this trip offers a unique opportunity to support meaningful long-term recovery and community development. Knowing Spanish is not expected/required for the trip, but helpful. Some projects can be physically demanding, especially in high temperatures and humid environments. Trip leaders: Yuvika Merotha and Odette Castillo

*Socially Conscious Art and Performance in New York City : This service-learning trip in New York City will work with local arts organizations who use performance arts as a tool for outreach, education and social change, addressing issues such as immigration, racial justice, and housing inequality. By partnering with a number of NYC organizations, we’ll participate in community engagement workshops and support outreach efforts using the arts to amplify marginalized voices. Through hands-on involvement and educational opportunities, you’ll explore how performance can inspire activism and social justice in diverse communities. No prior experience in performance is required, just a commitment to contributing to arts-driven social change and being inspired by what NYC arts has to offer. Trip leaders: Anna Matsuzawa and Emma Dobson

* Details of this trip are subject to change due to potential changes with community partners.

Past MAlt Trips

Five MAlt trips took place in February 2023. These were the trip descriptions:

• Environmental Justice : Los Angeles, CA Seeing the rapid and intensifying changes of the global climate has pushed the MAlt community to pursue a trip centered around environmental justice so that we can address the various injustices that come as a result of climate change. Though there are various regions we can aid, for the 2022 - 2023 academic year, ten Middlebury College students and their trip leaders served the Los Angeles and surrounding communities. From working with well-known organizations like TreePeople to Heal the Bay, students had the chance to learn about topics ranging from what causes climate change and how we can provide some restoration and aid to the community partners we serve. Trip leaders: Nerjes Azzam ‘25 and Julianna Martinez ‘24

• Immigration Advocacy: New York City, NY This trip focused on immigration and humanitarian relief in New York City. Some areas of work included translating documents, immigrant resettlement, aiding with legal documents, and food security. Throughout the week, the students worked with several organizations to learn more about the process of entering and settling in the United States for immigrants. Most importantly the trip focused on how participants can continue to be advocates in their communities. Participants dived into conversations and action plans for the future. Trip leaders: Nathaly Martinez ‘24 and Aylin Atzin ‘24

• Privilege and Poverty: New Orleans, LA This trip focused on the relationship between privilege and poverty through engaging in a variety of different projects throughout New Orleans. Some areas of work and education included sustainability, improvement of educational infrastructure, and creation of community spaces. Throughout the week, students worked with HandsOn New Orleans, serving the community where best suited through their various projects. Engagement was focused on education and mutually beneficial work that allow participants to truly aid the community while learning about how to remain involved with these phenomena and conversations even after returning to Middlebury. Trip leaders: Tayyaba Akhtar ‘25 and Megan Paluska ‘25

• Sustainable Coffee Farming: Guatemala Coffee is one of the world’s most valuable commodities, and Guatemala produces hundreds of millions of pounds every year. Yet, most coffee farmers receive very little compensation for what they produce. In this week-long trip across Guatemala’s main coffee-producing regions, centered around the city of Antigua, Participants connected with locals directly involved in coffee production. Through action focused on agricultural sustainability and social justice, our group was in contact with the region’s historical sites and local producers in this immersion experience for any coffee lover who cares to see the story behind a plant that has shaped Guatemala’s history. Knowing Spanish was not expected/required for the trip. Trip leaders: Maya Teiman ‘25 and Javier Merino ‘25

• Environmental Solutions: Puerto Rico The trip focused on environmental topics on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Partnering with local environmental NGOs, we explored a series of themes ranging from clean energy to environmental justice - including efforts to recover from severe hurricane disasters. As a group, we also spent time enjoying the rich culture, unique cuisines, and fun water sports the island has to offer. Knowing Spanish was not expected/required for the trip. Trip leaders: Yiran (Steven) Shi ‘23 and Christina Chen ‘23

Contact Us

Contact the MAlt Co-Presidents at middalt@middlebury.edu or MAlt advisor Claire Tebbs, ctebbs@middlebury.edu.