Service Trips
The Penn State Service Trip program is one that provides a variety of opportunities for students to learn more about themselves, others, and the world around them through service. Our program includes four different types of trips: Urban Service Experience, Alternative Spring Break, Weekend Service Stay-Cation, and Day Away Service Trips. Each program is designed to encourage personal growth, promote civic engagement, and enrich the lives of participants.
Each trip involves group discussion and reflection sessions that are intended to allow students to explore various social, political, and environmental issues that arise during their service. Through individual and group reflection and activities, students are encouraged to compare and contrast their personal experiences with those of others as a means of exploring the topics of difference, power and privilege, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination, and social inequity and injustice. These discussions are often peer led and are intended to help students understand the impact of their service, and their potential to create social impact in the future.
Our trips are also about FUN! With Penn State Service Trips students have the opportunity to connect with like minded students who they may have never met otherwise. Students will have a chance to connect and meet people through an experience like no other. During our service trips, students explore cultural, historical, and recreational aspects of the environment in which they serve through excursions and educational programs.
Upcoming Service Trips
- Urban Service Experience - Washington, D.C.
- Urban Service Experience - Philadelphia
- Alternative Spring Break – Brenton, West Virginia
March 3-9, 2012 - Day Away Service Trip - Location TBD
- Spring Service Stay-Cation
Contact
For more information about these service trips, or dates and deadlines, e-mail Charli Lehman, Program Director for Service or Meg Penza, Service Trips Planning Team Student Director.