Volunteer and Serve

Alternative Service Breaks (ASB) is a student organization at the University of Kentucky that aims to bring students from members of their community to active citizens through high-quality service immersion opportunities in Kentucky, across the United States, and around the world.

Alternative Service Breaks is affiliated with Break Away, a national organization that provides curriculum and a network with over 100 affiliated schools and more than 400 community-based organizations. With so many different issues to focus on and locations to travel to, students are sure to find the right alternative service break experience for them. Regardless of which service trip a student chooses, they are guaranteed to come away from the experience with new connections, new knowledge, a renewed sense of self, and a renewed desire to serve.

Involvement in UK ASB does not begin and end with service trips. Rather, it extends throughout the academic year with orientation sessions, educational programs, service projects, fundraising events, and of course a reunion gathering! This group expects that UK ASB volunteers make a full-year commitment to participating in UK ASB, and challenge volunteers to extend their commitment to the community service beyond their participation in UK ASB. ASB’s goal is to build future leaders that are active, conscientious citizens. 

For more information on Alternative Service Breaks at the University of Kentucky, please contact them at alternativebreaks@ukcco.org.

Family and Civic Engagement offers opportunities for students and their families to engage with partners to service the Lexington community.

Circle of Love invites the University of Kentucky community to provide gifts for the holidays for children enrolled in Fayette County Public Schools.

According to September 2023 data from the Fayette County Public Schools website, 51.2% of students at public schools in Fayette County receive free or reduced lunches. Many of these students spend the holidays facing financial troubles rather than presents and joy. Circle of Love is an opportunity for UK community members to support local students and spread holiday cheer.

Circle of Love asks you to sponsor a child this holiday season. Our hope is to assist more than 350 local children. This could mean giving a few gifts and essential clothing items. When you sign up to sponsor a student, Circle of Love will provide a list of desired items from a child enrolled in one of Fayette County Public Schools. If you do not have the resources to sponsor an entire list for a child, you can also donate individual gifts or purchase gift cards for the children and their families.

The leadership and service LLP is open to any first year student who has a desire to enhance their leadership skills while becoming active citizens in their local, regional, and global communities.