APSU students volunteer in Guatemala during summer break

Clarksville, TN – Last month, nine Austin Peay State University students spent a week volunteering in Antigua, Guatemala, collectively completing 200 hours of community service.

On May 16th, the students traveled to the Central American country as part of the first international alternative break trip through APSU’s new Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement. With the help of several grants, the Center was able to provide the international service opportunity for students at an affordable price.

Students spent the semester prior to the trip fundraising and learning about the culture and language in Guatemala. The volunteer work focused on a clinic in Antigua that desperately needed an expansion for children.

The APSU group turned a dirt patio into a new waiting area for children in the clinic. Students mixed concrete by hand and installed a floor during that week.

In addition to their service, the students also explored a volcano, Mayan ruins, historical sites and took salsa lessons. The students documented their trip on the blog http://apsuvolunteers.wordpress.com

The alternative break program is organized by the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement at APSU. Students apply to participate in a variety of service projects throughout the country that are organized by student leaders and APSU faculty and staff advisors.

A total of 12 trips are scheduled throughout the 2015-2016 academic year, during the fall, winter, spring and summer.

For more information on how to get involved, students should visit www.apsu.edu/volunteer