Instead of hitting the beach, 40 University of Tennessee students spent their spring break making a difference across the U.S. Through the VOLbreaks program, students traveled to North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, dedicating over 1,100 hours to community service.
From disaster relief to public health and youth mentorship, each trip focused on real-world impact. In Asheville, students helped communities recover after a hurricane by clearing debris and distributing food. In D.C., they tackled food insecurity and learned about health disparities. Meanwhile in Chicago, volunteers supported after-school programs and packed resources for underserved youth.
Beyond service, students gained insight, compassion, and new perspectives on life beyond the classroom. Organizers say experiences like these inspire lifelong civic engagement. With every hour served and every connection made, these students are proving that leadership begins with giving back.