Take Your Service to the Next Level
The Service Break Experience program provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in communities through the power of service
to others.
Rooted in the four pillars of building community, doing justice, living simply, and engaging
spiritually, SBE allows Hilltoppers to live out the university's mission in a different community by volunteering with a local nonprofit organization.
Participants engage in a long preparation process learning about the social justice issues of their site and building community with their group before the one-week service immersion experience.
2026-2027 SBE | Winter [Dec. 13-20], Spring [March 13-20] & Summer [May 10-20 *international]
More Information
Who can participate?
All St. Edward's University, undergraduates currently enrolled full-time are eligible. December graduates can participate in the December experience.
Do I have to be Catholic to participate?
No, but we will encourage you to think about the connection between your personal spirituality and social action in the pre-immersion meetings and during the immersion. We will ask you to attend Mass and are also open to attending services of other traditions, depending on the desires of the group.
How much does it cost to participate?
The $450 (domestic) & $1000 (international) fee helps to cover general room and board and transportation. It does not include the cost of immunizations, passports or additional items bought on the experience. All payments are non-refundable.
Fundraising is also required and supports the site; it doesn’t defray your out-of-pocket cost.
However, we do not want money to be a prohibitive factor in your application. If you have a financial need, you can apply for a grant from the Campus Ministry Service Break Experience Fund.
Do I get to choose where I will be going for my Service Break Experience?
Yes and no. We look for participants who are open to the entire experience regardless of their placement. Therefore, although we cannot guarantee your first choice, we try to match you to a service site based on your application, interview and year in school.
What can I expect?
You will work with a group of 8–10 members of the St. Edward’s University community throughout the school year and at your service site to build community, do justice, live simply and engage spiritually. The specific service depends on your site placement. Flexibility is key! Rain happens. Traffic happens. Don’t be discouraged. Sometimes, that’s when the best and unexpected things happen! In short, you will laugh a lot, work a lot, play a lot and grow considerably. #SBErocks
What is the time commitment?
In addition to group meetings (1-1.5 hours weekly), you can expect to participate in fundraisers and community-building activities.
Will I have free time?
Each site has a different schedule, but we always have some free time. Groups will work together on their time off. To promote community and ensure safety, you may not leave the group even if you have a friend or family nearby (they can visit you!). Every day, there will be time for you to take personal time to reflect or just be. It will be up to you to communicate your needs to the group.
Is it safe?
Safety is our top priority. As with any travel, there are dangers, but each of our sites is screened carefully and measures are taken to ensure your safety. Participants are never allowed to travel alone.
Can I bring my cell phone or other technology?
No. As a part of the pillar of living simply, we ask you to disconnect for your experience. Student Leaders and Advisors will have their phones in case of emergencies on-site or at home.
For more information, contact Liza Manjarrez.
In the Holy Cross tradition of service, we hope that students are transformed by the experience, becoming agents of change in the world by working with our partner sites.
Homelessness and Hospitality
Focus: Direct service with people who are experiencing homelessness
You'll work side-by-side with other volunteers, Holy Cross religious and guests to make a difference.
Examples of service activities:
- Assisting in the soup kitchen
- Sorting and distributing clothing items
- Providing laundry services
- Lending a compassionate ear and companionship
Entertaining Angels
Focus: Direct service with youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
You'll work side-by-side with professional staff who aim to empower and inspire the youth, providing them with quality education, holistic development, and a supportive community.
Examples of service activities:
- Assist in an after school program
- Assist the tutors with their teams
- Plan activities for the students
- Do sports games, music class, crafts, etc.
Hope to Bring
Focus: Direct service with youth and adults from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
You'll work side-by-side with other volunteers and Holy Cross religious to make a difference.
Examples of service activities:
- Assist in classrooms (general edu and students with disabilities)
- Assist in entrepreneurial education initiatives (e.g. bakery)
- Plan and execute community activities
- Improve infrastructure through construction projects