Returnees from the Spring Break Immersion Experience for Pupils
The College of the Holy Cross' Spring Break Immersion Program, a significant part of the college experience for many students, marked another year of impactful learning and service. The program, running for over 50 years, kicked off on Jan. 26 with the reveal of the locations and groups at Seelos Theater.
This year, 125 students participated in the program, which offers four types of sites: L'Arche, Sustainability, Appa, and Special (Urban) Sites. L'Arche is an international organization that connects those with intellectual disabilities with people from other parts of the world. Sustainability sites are local farms that teach students about the intersection between ecology and human impact on the planet. Special sites are often based in urban locations and focus on concepts like racial justice, the education system, and urban poverty and homelessness. Appa sites, located in the Appalachian region, address rural poverty and homelessness.
The Spring Break Immersion Program focuses on the Jesuit principle, "men and women for and with others." Students, led by a student leader who is usually a junior or senior, embarked on their journeys on Saturday, March 1. Travel for the groups mainly consisted of plane rides and rental cars.
The program concluded with the SBIP Kick-off dinner, held this year in Kimball Hall. Following the dinner, several school buses transported students to Bowlero Worcester for a fun-filled evening. Throughout their trips, students slept on the floor or on narrow church pews, immersing themselves fully in the experiences.
In the Appa sites, students engaged in projects and activities that addressed rural poverty and homelessness by engaging in community development efforts, direct service, and educational initiatives linked to these social issues. Though the exact details about the Spring Break Immersion Program's Appa sites are not directly outlined, related community-focused programs highlight activities such as serving meals, assisting in housing support services, participating in educational workshops, and collaborating with local nonprofits dealing with homelessness and poverty.
Applications for the Spring Break Immersion Program are made in the fall semester. For many Holy Cross students, this program is a transformative experience, offering a unique opportunity to learn, serve, and grow.
- The College of the Holy Cross' Spring Break Immersion Program, a significant part of the college experience for many students, offers a unique opportunity for education and self-development, focusing on the Jesuit principle, "men and women for and with others."
- This year, 125 students participated in the program, which includes four types of sites: L'Arche, Sustainability, Appa, and Special (Urban) Sites, each offering features that contribute to the lifestyle and news of the college community.
- The L'Arche sites, an international organization, connect those with intellectual disabilities with people from other parts of the world, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the campus and broader community.
- The Special sites, often based in urban locations, tackle pressing issues like racial justice, the education system, and urban poverty and homelessness, preparing students for real-world challenges and fostering a sense of responsibility towards their community.
- Throughout the Spring Break, students embarked on travels to these sites, engaging in community development efforts, direct service, and educational initiatives, and cultural events like the SBIP Kick-off dinner and a night at Bowlero Worcester, thus creating a blend of travel, learning, and lifestyle experiences.
