Border Immersion

WHEN: Early Summer 2026, May 5th-11th

WHERE: Tucson, AZ and surrounding area with a possible day trip into Nogales, MX

WHAT: Students will travel to the U.S./Mexico border for one week to learn about immigration, the global economy, and environmental and human rights issues. The immersion provides the opportunity to hear first-hand from those directly affected by immigration policy, and may include visits to human rights organizations, federal court, community organizing events, the border wall, and stretches of the desert where migrants cross. 

WHO: The Immersion Coordinators for the 2026 Border Immersion are Izzy Valencia and Eric Hernandez Mendez. You can read more about them here and reach them at border.immersion@up.edu. 

COST: The suggested participant contribution for the Border Immersion ranges from $10 to $900. While we do expect each participant to contribute some amount, we are committed to ensuring that finances are never a barrier to participation. For more information about cost, please see here. 

Apply to the Border Immersion

Carceral Justice Immersion

WHEN: Summer 2025 right after graduation weekend, May 6th-15th 

WHERE: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA

WHAT: Students will learn about criminal justice systems, with a focus on incarceration, in context. Students will be given opportunities to examine the laws and policies around policing and incarceration. Students will also be invited to consider community perspectives, restorative justice practices, and alternatives to prisons. The group will meet with and learn from a range of organization involved in both the carceral justice system and advocacy for incarcerated individuals. 

WHO: The Immersion Coordinators for the 2025 Carceral are Benji Barrero and Shane Ruyle. You can read more about them here and reach them at moreaucenter@up.edu. All immersions are also accompanied by a Moreau Center Program Manager and another UP staff or faculty member. 

Apply to the Carceral Justice Immersion

Civil Rights Immersion

WHEN: Early Summer 2026, May 5th-10th

WHERE: Southern United States, possibly including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee

WHAT: Students walk the path of the Civil Rights movement and learn about contemporary issues of racism and classism in the South. Visit major Civil Rights sites and museums and learn from people involved with the Civil Rights movement. Also, connect with and learn from people addressing racial justice today and its intersections with education, criminal justice, voter suppression and more. Other experiences may include a tour of Medgar Evers' home, a conversation with the Birmingham Mayor's office and the Emmett Till Pilgrimage. Read student reflections from previous participants on our Civil Rights Immersion blog.

WHO: The Immersion Coordinators for the 2026 Civil Rights Immersion are Benji Barrero and Jess Arevalo Ontiveros. They can be reached at civilrights.immersion@up.edu.

COST: The suggested participant contribution for the Civl Rights Immersion ranges from $10 to $900. While we do expect each participant to contribute some amount, we are committed to ensuring that finances are never a barrier to participation. For more information about cost, please see here. 

Apply to the Civil Rights Immersion

Indigenous Rights Immersion

WHEN: Spring Break 2026, March 2nd-4th

WHERE: WA State

WHAT: Participants will learn about the history and current context of the indigenous tribes who have lived in the PNW for over 11,000 years. Students will have the opportunity to learn from community organizations and non-profits. Emphasis placed on land and water sovereignty and healthcare access. Students will also learn about art as activism and indigenous art and culture.

WHO: The Immersion Coordinators for the 2026 Indigenous Justice Immersion are Maria Alzugaray Orellana and Emmely Minoth. They can be reached at indigenous.immersion@up.edu.

COST: The suggested participant contribution for the Indigenous Justice Immersion ranges from $10 to $300. While we do expect each participant to contribute some amount, we are committed to ensuring that finances are never a barrier to participation. For more information about cost, please see here. 

Apply to the Indigenous Rights Immersion

North Portland Immersion

WHEN: 2026 TBD

WHERE: Right here in North Portland! 

WHAT: Participants explore issues of justice related to civil rights, education, gentrification, and other intersecting social issues in North Portland. Learn the often unheard histories of Portland and how those continue to impact our city today. Witness ongoing community responses to promote positive change. Read students' reflections from past immersions on the North Portland Immersion blog. 

WHO: The Immersion Coordinators for the 2026 North Portland Immersion are TBA. You can request more information about this immersion at northportland.immersion@up.edu. 

Apply to the North Portland Immersion

Rural Immersion

WHEN: TBD

WHERE: Yakima Valley, WA

WHAT: Students learn about United States immigration policy, issues faced by migrant farmworkers, sustainable farming, and about the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Visit working farms and community organizations to learn from the community about issues they face and about how they are working together towards justice. 

WHO: The Immersion Coordinators for the 2025 Rural Immersion are Niall Sexton and Emma Hayes. You can read more about them here and reach them at rural.immersion@up.edu.

COST: The suggested participant contribution for the Rural Immersion ranges from $10 to $300. While we do expect each participant to contribute some amount, we are committed to ensuring that finances are never a barrier to participation. For more information about cost, please see here. 

Apply to the Rural Immersion

Housing Justice Immersion

WHEN: Winter Break right before the start of Spring 2026 semester, January 8th-10th 2026

WHERE: Right here in Portland! We will stay at St. Andre Bessette Church, the downtown chapel

WHAT: Learn about local urban issues and public policies around houselessness, poverty, drug use, and mental health in Portland, Oregon. Meet with organization who work with the houseless, spend time with people experiencing houselessness, and witness the ways public policy affects people living in Portland. Engage with direct service and hospitality at St. Andre Bessette Church and with other organizations.

WHO: The Immersion Coordinators for the 2026 Housing Justice Immersion are Stella Stueck and Alexandra Torres. You can get in touch with them at housing.immersion@up.edu

COST: The suggested participant contribution for the Housing Justice Immersion ranges from $10 to $100. While we do expect each participant to contribute some amount, we are committed to ensuring that finances are never a barrier to participation. For more information about cost, please see here. 

Apply to the Housing Justice Immersion