Program Evaluation of the Alternative Break Pre-Curriculum with the Office of PittServes

Universities often offer students the experience to conduct community service during their academic breaks, creating Alternative Break programs. The University of Pittsburgh created a pre-trip training and team building curriculum to engage students prior to their service with communities of focus in 2018. In previous versions of the program, it was made evident that there were levels of under preparedness from the students that could adversely impact the communities, the relationships of the university, and the student’s own experience. This program evaluation takes into consideration the best practices stated in literature, many of which are presented by the Break Away nonprofit organization, for comparison of the student’s self-reported learning and the staff and community partner’s perceived levels of student preparation