For many college students, spring break is a week to take it easy. But approximately 40 students from Missouri S&T will instead spend an eye-opening week learning how others struggle and discovering ways they can help.

The students are involved in Missouri S&T’s Miner Challenge, a week-long alternative break program that gives them a chance to help individuals and communities affected by issues like poverty, homelessness, a lack of access to education and natural disasters, while developing their own leadership skills. This is the 12th year of the student-led program.

This year students will spend their time doing service work at locations in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, West Virginia and Arkansas. The teams will travel between March 23 and March 30. The following projects are a part of Miner Challenge:

– “Indigenous Nations: Fostering reservation well being and supporting native identity,” in Tuba City, Arizona.

– “Homeless Veterans: Supporting the men and women who served us,” in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

– “Wildlife Conservation: Implementing solutions to protect the diversity of our planet,” in New Orleans.

– “Education and the Arts: Investigating the effects of education cutbacks in rural America,” in Charleston, West Virginia.

– “Hunger and Homelessness: Combating food insecurity to improve quality of life,” in Conway, Arkansas.

“Participants of Miner Challenge strive to dream big, work hard and change lives,” says Jessica Haywood, program administrator for volunteerism and Greek life at Missouri S&T. “The students appreciate all of the donations they have received to date from local businesses and community members.”

Individuals and businesses that are interested in helping sponsor the students are encouraged to visit the Miner Challenge website. All donations go directed towards paying for students’ food, lodging, transportation and program scholarships.