While many college students spent their spring break relaxing on beaches, 18 Howard University students from Washington, D.C. chose a different path, rooted in purpose, impact, truth, and service, to participate in the nationwide service project dedicated to Youth Holistic Wellness and Developing Pathways to Food and Housing Stability.
During Howard University’s [32nd annual] Alternative Spring Break (HUASB) program, students journeyed to Atlanta driven by a desire to support underserved communities in Northwest Atlanta. Students visited C.A. Scott and Grove Park Recreation Centers, where youth and teens looked forward to engaging in activities and receiving mentorship and guidance from collegiate students serving as positive role models.
Ni-Jile Young, a graduating senior studying Media Journalism, shares her experience as she began the alternative Spring Break program during her sophomore year of college.
“My first experience with ASB was during my sophomore year, still unsure of myself and afraid of the world. I took the chance to participate, and it changed my perspective,” said Ni-Jile. “Seeing the impact other students and I created truly inspired me.”
Howard students, in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Youth Afterschool Program and the Atlanta Teen Leadership Academy, helped turn well-known parks and green spaces into inspiring environments that foster growth during their visit on March 11th and 12th.
From the moment Howard students entered the recreation center, the mighty Bisons began their work. The afternoons focused on tutoring and homework assistance, helping students who needed extra academic support build confidence. Volunteers also led games, wellness activities, and hands-on service projects, emphasizing the significance of mental and physical health and social-emotional learning.
“Volunteering at Atlanta Parks and Recreation showed me that encouraging, educating, and empowering the youth is necessary,” stated Young. “Seeing the bonds, motivation, and support we created for the youth motivated me.”
Living by Howard’s inspiring motto, “Truth and Service,” these students demonstrated that service is more than just words; it’s about action. By week’s end, they had mentored Atlanta’s youth and conveyed a lasting message: when young people receive support, encouragement, and safe environments to flourish, whole communities become stronger.
For many students like Ni-Jile, this was more than just a week of fun. It served as an opportunity to engage with young adults who resembled them, believed in their potential, and demonstrated what lies beyond their neighborhoods.
“Being able to uplift and guide young students, showing them that anything is possible after some may have had doubts, has truly had a positive and emotional impact,” says Ni-Jile. “Not only did it change my perspective, but it also changed theirs.”
Although their spring break eventually ended, the influence of their stay in Atlanta will continue to affect Grove Park and C.A. Scott youth and teens for months or even years to come.
The Department of Parks and Recreation sends a special thank you to all students who participated in this wonderful initiative to give back to Atlanta’s youth:
- Aaliyah Barrett
- Michael Wright
- Garrett Browne
- Evelyn Vaughn
- Jessica Christia
- Tyler Larbi
- Ni-Jile Young
- Yemariam Diriba
- Madison Lewis
- Avani Houston
- Amelia Harris
- Nkechi Onyeukwu
- Nova Johnson
- Zoey Campbell
- Joshua Somefun
- Jate Kamoze
- Ashantae Gordon
- Cameron Charles
The Department would also like to thank Mayor Andre Dickens for supporting the return of HUASB to Atlanta by providing students with a Ceremonial Letter for their outstanding contribution.
