Spring Break Immersions

Border Immersion

March 2020

Travel to the U.S./Mexico border in Arizona for one week to learn about immigration, the global economy, and environmental and human rights issues. This immersion provides the opportunity to hear multiple perspectives on the complex issue of immigration and may include visits to a detention center, federal court, social service agencies, and human rights organizations.

View student reflections from previous participants on our Border Immersion blog.  

Applications are live now! Please apply for the Border Immersion by October 6^th.

Student Coordinators (2019-2020):
Brienne Pfeifer
Dulce Sanabria

Contact: Border.immersion@up.edu

Affordable Housing Immersion

March 2020

Participate in this one-week Habitat for Humanity build with a group of fellow University of Portland students. The group will work on building houses within the Pacific Northwest, while learning about the broader challenges of affordable housing.

This experience allows students to immerse themselves in issues surrounding housing in the Northwest, while also building community. Students will not only work alongside peers, but also have the opportunity to collaborate with the families who become homeowners of the home the group helps to build.

Read student reflections from previous participants on our Collegiate Challenge blog.  

Applications are live now! Please apply for the Affordable Housing Immersion by October 6^th.

Student Coordinators (2019-2020):
Saron Mekonnen
Charlie Myers

Contact: Housing.immersion@up.edu 

2016 Collegiate Challenge Video

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Environmental Justice Immersion

March 2020

Participants will learn about environmental issues such as the climate crisis, clean air and clean water in intersection with issues such as racial justice, Indigenous rights and economic justice. The immersion will be in Portland and the Columbia River Gorge and students will have the opportunity to meet with local leaders and communities.  

Applications are live now! Please apply for the Environmental Justice Immersion by October 6^th.

Student Coordinators (2019-2020):
Meg Bender
Brittany D'Souza

Contact: Envjustice.immersion@up.edu