Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Leaders
ASB is facilitated by a team of undergraduate and graduate student leaders organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff. In the months leading up to ASB, the leaders develop plans for a holistic and empowering ASB experience for participants, including by learning how to position their peers effectively as knowledgeable advocates and active, engaged co-creators of a thriving democracy and civic culture.
ASB leaders work in pairs to develop small group experiences exploring social issues in Baltimore. Leader pairs can develop an experience relating to one of these topics, or to a new topic they propose. During their training, leader pairs conduct research on the specific social issue they would like to explore; learn from scholars and Baltimore residents who are subject matter experts on the group topic; and design detailed curricula that will guide participants through a meaningful learning experience during ASB.
During the week of ASB, the leader pairs co-facilitate their respective groups’ activities and reflective conversations. The leader pairs take responsibility for guiding their group members around the hotel and various sites in Baltimore, including by driving their group between sites in a UMBC van.
Visit our Affiliates page to learn more about the ASB 2026 leaders.
Applications to be an ASB 2027 leader will be due in April 2026. Fill out our Affiliate Interest Form to be notified when we release the application. ASB leaders are provided a stipend for their work and receive PRAC credit on their transcripts.
STRiVE Coaches
STRiVE is facilitated by a team of undergraduate student, staff, and faculty coaches organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff. In the months leading up to STRiVE, coaches rehearse sessions and make plans for an intensive, engaging STRiVE experience for participants.
STRiVE coach training consists of three all-day team retreat sessions as well as independently scheduled regular meetings with Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff and other STRiVE coaches. Coaches are trained to facilitate both large and small group sessions and activities.
Visit our Affiliates page to learn about the STRiVE 2026 coaching team.
Applications to be a STRiVE 2027 coach will open in March 2026. Fill out our Affiliate Interest Form to be notified when we release the application. Student STRiVE coaches are provided a stipend for their work and receive PRAC credit on their transcripts.
ConnectionCorps Cohort
Applications to join the next ConnectionCorps cohort are typically released in March. Follow the Center for Democracy and Civic Life on myUMBC to be notified when the application is open. Student participants in ConnectionCorps receive a small stipend for their participation and receive PRAC credit on their transcripts.