Far too often, students are left on the periphery when creating, designing, and implementing community service initiatives. This article provides a framework to position students as co-creators of service initiatives rather than just participants using a case study of the President's Leadership Fellows Program at University of Tampa.

Alternative break programs have long supported student growth, community engagement, and civic learning, yet Gen Z students--many who are deeply invested in justice and activism--tend to find these programs misaligned with their values. This chapter reimagines alternative breaks through seven strategies that center justice, reciprocity, and…