BINGHAMTON, NY – International students at Binghamton University will forgo the traditional spring break vacations this year to perform service at several locations in the community, as part of an Alternative Spring Break being held March 29-30.

The program, arranged by the Binghamton University Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) and the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), will split students into groups to volunteer at four locations, ranging from the YWCA of Binghamton to the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park. Students will assist with cleaning, painting, landscaping, trail maintenance and other outdoor chores.

"It’s a great opportunity for these international students, who can’t return home for the week-long break, to learn more about the Binghamton community, help others and have some new cultural experiences, whether that is exploring the zoo or raking leaves and washing windows for the first time," said Tom Lamphere, the CCE staff member who is organizing the program with ISSS for the fourth year in a row.

For questions or more information about the Alternative Spring Break program, contact Laura Reindl at 607-777-4287 or via e-mail at cce@binghamton.edu. For a full schedule, go to https://www.binghamton.edu/isss/programs/altspringbreak.html. To learn more about the CCE, visit http://www.binghamton.edu/cce/.