Alternative Service Breaks invite UK staff to serve as site advisors
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2026) — Each year, University of Kentucky students step away from campus during academic breaks to serve communities across the country through Alternative Service Breaks (ASB). These immersive experiences combine service, reflection and learning and rely on the guidance and support of UK staff who serve as ASB site advisors.
ASB site advisors travel alongside students during fall or spring breaks, providing mentorship, logistical support and leadership development while engaging directly in service projects. For many advisors, the experience becomes a meaningful extension of their professional role at UK.
“Serving as a site advisor allows staff to see students in a completely different context,” said Nicki Jenkins, who oversees Alternative Service Breaks. “You’re working side by side, navigating challenges together and watching students grow as leaders in real time.”
Staff advisors also describe ASB as a powerful professional development opportunity, offering experience in group facilitation, leadership and community partnership while building relationships with colleagues across the university.
“Being a site advisor reminded me why I chose to work at UK,” said Beth Hanneman, director of UK Interprofessional Healthcare Residential Community and a previous site advisor. “The best part was getting to know students outside the classroom and watching their confidence, perspective and leadership grow over the course of the trip.”
This spring, Alternative Service Breaks will offer several domestic service trips focused on issues such as housing insecurity, environmental sustainability, food insecurity and social determinants of health. Trips take place during UK’s Spring Break and pair UK staff and graduate student site advisors with trained student leaders to support community-based service and guided reflection. Applications are now open for both participants and site advisors, with limited advisor spots available.
UK staff and graduate students from all functional areas are encouraged to apply. No prior service experience is required.
Learn more and apply to be a site leader on BBNvolved or visit families.uky.edu/alternative-service-break-trips. For additional information, contact UKAlternativeServiceBreaks@uky.edu.
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