UMass Boston

The Beacon Voyages for Service (BVS) program, is an “Alternative Spring Break” program at Umass Boston. We empower students to become active agents of change through immersive, experiential learning that cultivates critical reflection, personal growth, and a profound understanding of systemic injustices. Through collaborative service and open dialogue, participants will explore diverse social issues, while forging reciprocal relationships and fostering kinship with our community partners, recognizing that true community development is a shared journey. We strive to equip students with the knowledge and skills to take action towards an equitable world, both during the BVS experience and by bringing their experiences back to the UMass Boston campus and local community.

The program at UMass Boston is a student leadership model. Student leaders are trained to coordinate the trip including developing relationships with community partners, fundraising, and travel. As students are selected to participate, they become active participants in the entire trip planning process. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Build leadership skills through community action
• Gain an understanding of concepts of social justice and the root causes of systemic injustices
• Integrate academic and personal experience with community engagement
• Develop the knowledge and tools to become active advocates for social change
• Establish and strengthen/foster/maintain connections with other students, faculty, on-campus resources, and local community

There are three ways to participate in the BVS Experience:

• Participant - Students who wish to partake in this immersive spring break experience. Applications open the first week of September of the academic year. 
• Site Leader - typically students who have previously participated in the program as a participant; these positions are paid. Applications open in April for the upcoming academic year.
• Program Coordinator- typically a student who has previously participated in the program as a site leader. Oversees and aids in program activities and development; this position is paid. Applications open in March/April for the upcoming academic year

Requirements for all positions to participate include:

• Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking full time student
• Must be in good judicial, financial, and academic standing with the university
• Complete application along with short answer questions
• All participants are responsible for the cost of their trip. To confirm your spot on any trip you must pay a deposit. All deposits are non-refundable.

How to apply

Interested students should submit an online application through the involvement portal, UMBInvolved. Applicants selected for the program will receive an invitation to join, sent to the email listed on their application and will be asked to reply to accept their spot in the program. Space is limited. 

Important Dates

• Participant application opens up in early September; closes in late September/early October
• Applicants should consider attending OSLCE's Fall Day of Action, scheduled for September 15, 2025 (RSVP in UMBInvolved)
• Selected applicants attend BVS Orientation in mid-October
• Weekly or bi-weekly team meeting will be scheduled based on group availability, October-March
• BVS Pre-Departure in late February/early March
• BVS trips- spring break in mid-March
• BVS Bash upon return in early April
• Program concludes

You can donate to BVS here: www.umb.edu/bvs