About UD Alternative Breaks
Mission, Vision and Values
The University of Delaware Alternative Break (UDAB) organization immerses student-led teams in direct service and experiential learning with community organizations to increase knowledge of social justice issues and encourage life-long active citizenship. UDaB programs consist of a weeklong experience to work with a community over winter or spring break. Each program has a focus area that ranges from the environment to domestic violence to disabilities and much more, and involves significant education of such focus area(s) before, during and after the alternative break. Partial scholarships are made available based on financial aid.
Mission and Vision
UDAB focuses on promoting social justice by providing opportunities for students to engage in mutually beneficial service with a vision to develop a community of active citizens.
Core Values
- Community
Our work strives to build an abundant community, recognizing the unique gifts and talents of every member. It strives to create equitable, inclusive and intentional spaces. - Diversity and Social Justice
Our work strives to be welcoming and to value all people, not despite, but because of our differences. We value the strength in perspectives within diverse groups of people, and we do not see our work possible without learning from one another. Our work is built around equity and inclusion, ultimately contributing to the goal of a socially just world. - Mutually Beneficial Service
Our work strives to create partnerships that address community-identified needs and support local community organizers, while promoting an educational and developmental experience for student participants. We work in solidarity with the community organizations and individuals we encounter, striving to promote allyship and engagement before, during and after the alternative break experience. - Intentionality
Our work strives to align our mission and vision with all four actions. We aim to cultivate values-based decisions and leadership.
History
UDAB began in 2010 and piloted its first program during the 2011 spring break. In that first year, 92 students participants and 12 student leaders traveled to five communities to pursue service projects. In 2017, 538 student participants and 56 student leaders traveled to 24 communities over winter and spring break, contributing almost 18,000 hours of service and learning an immeasurable amount from those they served.
Please Consider a Donation to UDAB
UDAB has been the recipient of support from the families and friends of participants. We are grateful for all the support from the University community and contributions from donors.
(Be sure to select the “Other” category then search for UDAB.)
Originally I joined UDAB more as a social outlet, but what I found was a community of love that kept bringing me back.
I’ve been with UDAB for 4 years. Tremendous group of people, well led, and what’s amazing is when they show up on day one, they are already a group. They come as a block for a week. That’s a lot of work hours and they are all good quality work hours. What more can you ask for?
Meet Senior Leadership
Senior Leads
Natalie Baysinger
she/her
Olivia Hayes
she/her
Executive Board
Danielle Blachar, Junior Leadership
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Danielle Blachar (she/her) and I’m a Junior majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in Multilingual Learning and minoring in Leadership. I have been involved with UDAB as both a participant on the New Bern, NC program with Habitat for Humanity and a Site Leader for the program partnered with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Participating in UDAB was one of the highlights of my first year on campus and provided me with an invaluable learning experience where I established lifelong relationships. As a Site Leader, I loved having the opportunity to facilitate this experience for others and learn alongside the participants on the program. I am so excited to hold the Junior Leadership role on the exec board and grow the UDAB community.
Allie Briggs, Recruitment, Marketing and Social Media Chair
she/her
Hi!! My name is Allie Briggs, I am from Hingham, MA and I am UDAB’s Social Media, Marketing, and Recruitment Chair! I’m a junior majoring in Communication with a Public Relations concentration and I have minors in Advertising and Event Management! I went on the winter UDAB trip to Puerto Rico last year where I discovered my new found love for community service! Outside of UDAB, I am the President of The Women’s Network, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, an Access:Ability Scholar, a member of PRSSA, and a First Year Seminar Peer Mentor. I am so excited to be more involved in UDAB this year and work towards promoting the greatness of this amazing program to others!
Luke Garwood, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Chair
he/him
Luke Garwood is a sophomore and interpersonal communications major with a leadership minor. He really enjoys his volunteer work at UD, including his previous alternative break program last spring in Maine where he worked for H.O.M.E., a rural poverty organization. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling. Luke is looking forward to many more volunteer experiences with UDAB!
2024 Winter Site Leaders
Jasmin Bioteau, Puerto Rico
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Jasmin Bioteau (she/her/hers) and I am from Abington, Pennsylvania, which is about one hour from UD. I am an honors senior chemistry and Spanish major. On campus I am involved in American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (ACS), Blue Hen Leadership Program (BHLP) and, of course, UDAB. My favorite pastimes are reading, running, and watching movies with my friends. UDAB has been a great experience for me. I met some awesome people during the alternative break programs that I have become great friends with, all the while gaining knowledge about social justice issues! I am excited to lead my first program, help it run efficiently, and make it a fun, safe space.
Madison Drew, Puerto Rico
she/hers
Hi everyone! My name is Madi Drew; I’m a senior majoring in Environmental and Resource Economics from Vermont. I love nature and strive to do something related to sustainability in my career, and outside of work I love traveling, listening to music, and reading whenever possible! I’ve been on four UDaB programs in the past but this is my first time being a site leader on a program. I’m really excited to go back to Puerto Rico and help others learn about environmental justice while conducting mutually beneficial service!
Jackson Tomasco, Puerto Rico
he/him
Heyo! I’m Jackson, and I am so hyped to be co-leading our winter program to Puerto Rico! In the past, I have been a participant for our spring New Bern NC program along as a site leader in our spring Orland ME program. In addition, I was a participant of our Puerto Rico winter program. I love that UDaB allows me to put my passion for service in practice, and I can’t wait to share that with others!
2024 Spring Site Leaders
Sofia Caamaño
she/hers
Hey everyone! My name is Sofia Caamaño and I’m a junior kinesiology major with a minor in Strength and Conditioning on the pre-PT track. I’m from San Carlos, California and I’m involved in BHLP. I love hanging out with my friends, reading in my spare time, and doing fun arts and crafts. I was a participant in the New Bern, NC program my freshman year and had so much fun site leading my first program to Chesapeake Bay, MD last year!
Connor Coyne
he/him
Hey there! My name is Connor Coyne and I am a junior biomedical engineering major from Baltimore, MD. At UD I’m involved with Club Rugby, Assistive Medical Technologies club, and UDaB! During winter session of 2024, I had the chance to aid in disaster relief and learn about environmental justice in Puerto Rico. I’m excited to explore more service opportunities this upcoming year!
Ryan Gellner
he/him
Hello! My name is Ryan Gellner and I am a junior Environmental Science major with a minor in Insect and Wildlife Conservation. I got involved with UDAB last year for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and I had so much fun that I decided to go for site leader! I’m excited to work with my other leaders and eventually with students looking to get involved in UDAB! I like hanging out with my friends, listening to music, and just trying to be involved on campus!
Kate Hall
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Kate (she/her/hers) and I am a junior double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a minor in sociology. I have been a member of the leadership program since freshman year and participated on the New Bern program my sophomore year. Learning about social justice issues and ways to create equitable spaces is a passion of mine making UDaB the perfect program to further my education outside of the classroom. Some of my other interests include reading, painting, watching “Survivor”, and hanging out with friends! I look forward to meeting everyone who decides to be a part of this great program!
Jenna Hess
she/her
Hello! My name is Jenna and I am a sophomore studying Chemical Engineering at UD with minors in Environmental Sustainability and Material Science. Last spring, I participated in the Community Servings Udab program in Boston and absolutely loved it. I found my love for community service and met the most wonderful people. Some of my favorite past times include going to the beach, petting my dog, painting, reading, and just being outdoors. I can’t wait to be a spring site leader!
Casey Schaeffer
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Casey Schaeffer, and I am a third-year Leadership major with a minor in Event Management. I’ve had the privilege of participating in three UDAB programs so far, each one a life-changing experience where I’ve met the most amazing people. Outside of UDAB, I serve as a QUEST peer mentor, am involved with the Biden School Student Association, work as a student coordinator for TEDx, and enjoy participating in intramural sports. I’m beyond excited to be a spring site leader this year and to engage with social justice issues while connecting with different communities
Mia Sebak
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Mia and I am a third year student majoring in Sports Health. My career goal is to become an athletic trainer, and my dream job is to work for the NFL. My hobbies include watching/playing sports (especially volleyball), cooking/baking, going for drives and blasting music, going places I have never been before, and spending fun time with my friends and family. I have been in UDaB for two years prior, so my first year, I was a participant on the Community Servings Boston program, and my second year, I was a Site Leader on the HOME Maine program. This year I am excited about being able to recreate the amazing experience I had last year as a Site Leader, but with a totally new and different group of people, and maybe in a whole new place too.
Marykate Sharkey
she/her
Hi everyone! I’m Marykate Sharkey, a sophomore majoring in Leadership with a minor in Medical Social Services. I got involved with the Creative Leadership, Innovation, and Service office early in my first semester and became a student ambassador. My UDaB experiences in Puerto Rico and Maine were life-changing, expanding my love for service and helping me grow as a leader. I’m excited to share this journey with you all and make a positive impact in the communities we serve. I love baking, cooking, playing games, and spending time with family and friends. I am so excited to meet you all and lead a service program this coming spring break!
Maddy Thompson
she/her
Hi! My name is Maddy Thompson (she/her/hers), and I’m a third year Honors Human Physiology major pursuing minors in Leadership and Spanish for Healthcare. On campus, I’m involved with the Leadership and Service office as a QUEST Peer Mentor, Writing Fellows, and Greek Life (both Panhellenic and professional). When I’m not studying at ISE or the library, you can find me grabbing coffee with friends, going on walks, reading, or listening to music. UDaB has a special place in my heart because I participated in the Puerto Rico Alternative Break during my first year, and I formed so many meaningful connections while there.
Nate Vaszily
Hi, my name is Nate, and I am super excited and pumped to be one of site leaders for one of our spring programs this year! I was previously a site leader for our Puerto Rico Winter program, and I have been lucky enough to have gone on two spring programs as a participant. I’m looking forward to getting things starting, and getting to know all of you!
Kyla Warren
she/her
Hey y’all! My name is Kyla Warren (she/her/hers) and am a sophomore political science major with a double minor in legal studies and public policy. I was fortunate enough to have gone on the Habitat for Humanity (New Bern, NC) program for my last spring break and have my eyes opened to a whole new world (peep the Aladdin reference LOL) I wasn’t used to seeing or hearing about in my everyday life. With that being said, I am so excited to be a spring site leader for the upcoming year and to continue to grow as a person! Outside of UDaB, I am also apart of the Blue Hen Leadership Program, Blue Hen Ambassadors, Diversity Enrichment Leaders, Greek life, and so much more!
Anna Zapp
she/her
Anna Zapp is a Junior Interpersonal Communication and Environmental Science major from Ashburn, Virginia. She found passion for Outdoor Leadership through her role as officer in the Outing Club at UD and is an active member in Lead and Serve. Anna was also a participant on UDAB’s 2023 Puerto Rico Program which kick-started her passion for Environmental Justice and Non-Profit involvement. When she isn’t studying, you can find her playing sports, or doing any outdoor activity. Anna is stoked for the opportunity to be a Site Leader this spring and carry on build upon the UDAB mission to create a mutually beneficial service experience.
