The goal of Middlebury Alternative Break Programs is to engage Middlebury students with communities across the nation and the globe in order to share an experience, provide service where service is needed, and learn about the systems that shape community realities around the world. This year student leaders have designed and are facilitating five unique experiences for their peers.

Environmental Justice in LA

Seeing the rapid and intensifying changes of the global climate has pushed the MAlt community to pursue a trip centered around environmental justice so that we can address the various injustices that come as a result of climate change. Though there are various regions we can aid, for the 2022 - 2023 academic year, ten Middlebury College students and their trip leaders will be serving the Los Angeles and surrounding communities. From working with well-known organizations like TreePeople to Heal the Bay, students will have the chance to learn about topics ranging from what causes climate change and how we can provide some restoration and aid to the community partners we serve. Trip leaders: Nerjes Azzam 25 and Julianna Martinez 24

Privilege and Poverty in New Orleans

This trip will focus on the relationship between privilege and poverty through engaging in a variety of different projects throughout New Orleans. Some areas of work and education include sustainability, improvement of educational infrastructure, and creation of community spaces. Throughout the week, students will work with HandsOn New Orleans, serving the community where best suited through their various projects. Engagement will be focused on education and mutually beneficial work that will allow participants to truly aid the community while learning about how to remain involved with these phenomena and conversations even after returning to Middlebury. Trip leaders: Tayyaba Akhtar 25 and Megan Paluska 25

Immigration Advocacy in New York City

This trip will focus on immigration and humanitarian relief in New York City. Some areas of work include translating documents, immigrant resettlement, aiding with legal documents, and food security. Throughout the week, the students will work with several organizations to learn more about the process of entering and settling in the United States for immigrants. Most importantly we will focus on how participants can continue to be advocates in their communities. We will dive into conversations and action plans for the future. Trip leaders: Nathaly Martinez 24 and Aylin Atzin 24

Sustainable Coffee Farming in Guatemala

Coffee is one of the worlds most valuable commodities, and Guatemala produces hundreds of millions of pounds every year. Yet, most coffee farmers receive very little compensation for what they produce. In this week-long trip across Guatemala's main coffee-producing regions, centered around the city of Antigua, we will be connecting with locals directly involved in coffee production. Through action focused on agricultural sustainability and social justice, our group will be in contact with the region's historical sites and local producers in this immersion experience to see the story behind a plant that has shaped Guatemala's historySmall-scale producers like those with whom we will work, despite intergenerational experience and expertise in the industry, continue to be more susceptible to price fluctuations, climate change, and exploitative supply chains. Trip leaders: Maya Teiman 25 and Javier Merino 25

Environmental Solutions in Puerto Rico

The trip focuses on environmental topics in the beautiful city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Partnering with local environmental NGOs, we will explore themes ranging from clean energy to environmental justice - including efforts to recover from severe hurricane disasters. We will be experiencing environmental justice issues on the ground with people who are on the front line, facing climate change impacts. As a group, we will also enjoy the rich culture, unique cuisines, and fun water sports the island offers. Trip leaders: Yiran (Steven) Shi 23 and Christina Chen 23