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The spring semester has just begun at the University of Louisville, but some are already be anticipating Spring Break: a chance to bask in the sun in warmer climates, rough it in the woods on a camping trip or repair homes in southern West Virginia.

While the first two options may better articulate the essence of a college spring break, the third gives students a chance to make a difference in the lives of the people of Mullens, W. Va. The town was hit by a flood on July 8, 2001, and is still in need of repair.

The U of L Service Learning Program sponsors an Alternative Spring Break program each year, and this year’s trip will partner students with the Mullens Opportunity Center. Students will get the chance to see and understand social and economic issues that affect the Appalachian area.

Kim Shaver, coordinator for the Service Learning Program, agrees. “Students don’t sit and listen, they’re kinesthetic learners,” Shaver said. “[Students] learn about the real issues of the world.”

And that is exactly what Service Learning is all about. The program provides several community service opportunities and programs, including Alternative Spring Break.

“Students have different reasons why they do service: to connect with their majors, to learn about an issue, because they have a talent to share, because they need to stretch and grow,” Shaver said.

A unique characteristic of Service Learning is that the office works with students and faculty to put students in programs that relate to their curriculum.

“We make sure service connects with curriculum,” Shaver said. Service Learning is a way to connect academics with community service.

Other programs offered by the Service Learning Program are the Bonner Leader Program where students make a commitment to community service and then receive an Americorps educational stipend, and the America Reads Volunteer and Federal Work-Study Tutoring Initiative where students tutor children at local elementary schools and community centers.

There is also a walk-in Volunteer Resource Center which provides information on potential local non-profit agencies at which students can volunteer.

“Some students do it for their resumes, but in the end they love what they did and they say ‘I learned so much from this,'” Shaver said.

The Alternative Spring Break application deadline is Fri., Jan 19, and they can be picked up in the Student Activities Center W310X or W310V.

For more information on the Service Learning Program, contact Kim Shaver at 852-3436 or kkjohn01@louisville.edu. Visit http://www.campuslife.louisville.edu/service.