See Comets in Action

See Comets in action by watching videos from ASB 2025 and previous years on the OSV YouTube page. For more information about ASB 2026, contact the OSV office by email.

2026 Alternative Spring Break
March 16 – 20, 2026

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is an immersive week of hands-on service, leadership-building and relationship-building supplemented with education and reflection. Since 1995, UTD students have the chance to impact communities around the U.S. and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the country.

This year, all our ASB trips are all an in-person immersive experience featuring a variety of opportunities to serve, learn about and connect with communities. Under the guidance of a student site leader and a university staff member, participants serve together throughout the week of spring break. Prior to service, students take part in team activities and meetings to get to know each other, learn about the community partners they will be working with and undergo an introduction to their project impact area. Participation culminates in a reflection reception in April where teams reunite and share about their ASB experiences, as well as discuss ways for continued civic engagement and community outreach.

Registrations for 2026 are now closed. Please write to volunteer@utdallas.edu if you wish to learn about any existing waitlists.

2026 Experiences and Trip Descriptions

Trip fees cover all travel, housing, food and other trip-related expenses during the week of ASB. Some of the trips are full, please select available trips from the following list:

Armand Bayou Nature Center(Full)

Location: Pasadena, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Airbnb
Cost: $150

ABNC is one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States. ABNC contains 4,000 acres of the natural wetlands forest, prairie and marsh habitats once abundant in the Houston and Galveston area. ABNC is home to over 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. ABNC offers hiking trails, exhibits, field trips, Scout programs, birding, a historic farm and fun for all.

Volunteers would help clear up trails, help maintain the center and more!

Ashby House
Sponsored by Freshman Mentor Program, UT Dallas

Location: Salina, Kansas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Farmhouse
Cost: Sponsored by Freshman Mentor Program

Ashby House is dedicated to empowering homeless families and individuals to improve self-sufficiency, self-advocacy and holistic recovery. Past projects included prep and painting apartments for the transitional housing program, sorting and organizing donations, gardening projects and painting and renovation at the main office building. Past participants have also worked in the daycare program and observed life skills classes.

Please note: As this trip is funded by the Freshman Mentor Program, only students from the Freshman Mentor Program group will be eligible to apply. If you have further questions, please write to volunteer@utdallas.edu.

Basic Needs (Local) (Full)

Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: N/A (participants will depart and return to campus each day)
Cost: $50

Want to learn more about services in the DFW area that address basic needs issues impacting our local population? Join local organizations in their missions to develop, support and advocate for communities in need. Participants will explore and learn about the historical causes and contemporary issues impacting communities. Volunteers may assist with meal distribution, community outreach and education and administrative tasks.

Buffalo National River(Full)
In collaboration with University Recreation, UT Dallas

Location: Arkansas, AR
Travel: Van
Lodging: Primitive Camping
Cost: $150

Buffalo National River was established in 1972 as the country’s first national river. It includes 4,293 acres and approximately 135 miles of free-flowing river within the boundaries of the park. The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Projects may include trail maintenance for over 100 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, water quality sampling and creel surveys to help collect data on fish populations.

Please note: This trip will involve primitive camping in tents for lodging and may include shared or outdoor restroom facilities. Participants may not have access to electricity and wi-fi during the trip.

Fuller Center Northwest Louisiana(Full)

Location: Shreveport, LA
Travel: Van
Lodging: Fuller Center
Cost: $120

The Fuller Center NWLA works in collaboration with service-oriented organizations and countless volunteers to build new homes. The Fuller Center NWLA creates partnerships that bring together churches, schools, businesses, and civic organizations to build decent, affordable homes for individuals and families who are unable to secure adequate housing by conventional means.

Volunteers would help the fuller center with painting and maintaining homes and gardens​.

Lamp-Lite Theatre(Full)

Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Airbnb
Cost: $160

Since 1976, Lamp-Lite Theater has been show casing Broadway musicals, comedies, dramas and occasionally a premiere presentation of an original work by a regional playwright, children’s classes and plays and Christmas plays.

Volunteers would help set up stage, prep for ongoing plays and more.

San Antonio Food Bank(Full)

Location: San Antonio, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Airbnb
Cost: $140

Join forces with the San Antonio Food Bank and spend the week learning and serving through their urban garden program, the Kids Café, Haven for Hope and food warehouse programs. Hands-on service and educational sessions will provide participants with insight into the social issues impacting the city of San Antonio. Service tasks may include sorting food donations, serving meals, gardening and other outreach projects.