Student Involvement

LSU Horizons is an opportunity for students who want to learn beyond the classroom and make a real impact during their time at LSU. Through a community-engaged alternative break experience, students travel, serve alongside local organizations, and work as a team to address real-world issues while building leadership and life skills. This alternative spring break experience is a great fit for students who: 

LSU Horizons Framework

  • Want to connect classroom learning to real-world impact

  • Are interested in leadership, service, or community engagement

  • Enjoy working with others and learning through hands-on experiences

  • Are open to reflection, growth, and new perspectives

  • Want to do something meaningful during your spring break

APPLY NOW

Participation Details

APPLICATION OPENS
January 12, 2026

INTEREST MEETINGS
January 14 & 21, 2026

INTERVIEWS & SELECTION
Februay 9-10, 2026

PRE-TRIP WORKSHOPS
February20 & 25, 2026

 

Cost and Travel Grants

LSU Horizons provides a high-impact experience that is financially accessible, expanding participation and removing excessive cost as a barrier for students. The out-of-pocket cost for participating students is $200 deposit.  

Travel grants are available to students who demonstrate financial need. To be considered for a travel grant, select the related prompt in the application. If approved, the $200 deposit will be waived for the student.

Engagement Expectations

  • Commitment & Responsibility: Students are expected to attend all required activities, be punctual and prepared, and communicate proactively with program staff and community partners.

  • Professionalism: Students will represent LSU and LSU Horizons with integrity by following partner guidelines, demonstrating appropriate conduct, and maintaining a professional presence in all community settings.

  • Respect for Community & Partners: Students will engage with communities respectfully and humbly, recognizing service as a reciprocal partnership grounded in mutual learning and trust.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Students will work collaboratively with peers and partners, contribute to group efforts, and communicate effectively to support shared goals.

  • Reflection & Growth: Students will participate fully in reflection activities to deepen their understanding of community impact, leadership development, and service-learning best practices.

  • Safety & Ethics: Students are expected to follow all safety and ethical guidelines, act responsibly within their roles, and promptly report concerns to program staff 

FAQ's

LSU Horizons connects students with hands-on community service beyond campus, helping them apply service-learning best practices, build leadership skills, and deepen their commitment to serving the public good. Learn more.

Eligible participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate student
  • 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Enrolled full time, or a senior carrying at least 9 credit hours
  • No judicial holds
  • In good standing with LSU
  • Not on academic warning or probation

The out-of-pocket cost for students is $200. 

Yes. Students must apply to participate in LSU Horizons. The application process helps ensure a meaningful experience by matching students with appropriate community-engaged learning opportunities. 

Participants should bring a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and an openness to working in new environments. Be prepared to collaborate with others, engage respectfully with community partners, and reflect on your experiences. Any additional materials or specific items needed for service projects will be communicated in advance. 

For more information, contact horizons@lsu.edu.