United is The Way to Sunshine, Service, and Serious Fun for Broward's Youth
Spring Break in Broward County is about to get a whole lot more exciting! Forget sitting around the house or scrolling endlessly on your phone. Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is back for March 2026, and this year’s lineup is big, bold, and packed with unforgettable experiences for young people across our great community.
If you’ve never heard of ASB, here’s the scoop: Alternative Spring Break is a week of hands‑on service, leadership activities, and youth‑powered fun hosted by United Way Broward. Instead of a typical Spring Break, high school students get the chance to make a difference, meet new friends, explore new places, and build skills that last long after the week is over. Parents love it because it’s safe, structured, meaningful, and — let’s be honest — way more productive than a week of video games. Plus each day Broward High School students can earn community service hours.
ASB is a part of United Way Broward’s pillar for a Healthy Community, which focuses on helping young people grow into confident, capable leaders. Through programs supporting academic success, mental well‑being, leadership development, substance-use prevention, and ways to make healthy decisions, United Way Broward ensures that young people across our county have the tools they need to thrive.
One of the exciting parts of this pillar is the Broward Youth Coalition (BYC) — a dynamic group of middle‑ and high‑school students who lead projects, speak up for their peers, and help create positive change in their schools and neighborhoods. BYC members are role models, innovators, and community builders, and they play a major role in shaping ASB each year.
So get ready — here’s what’s happening during Alternative Spring Break 2026, and why you’ll want to be part of every moment.
Day One — Saturday, March 14, 2026
Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep
8 am to 11 am
No registration is required — just show up!
We’re kicking off ASB with sunshine, ocean breezes, and a mission to keep our beaches beautiful, especially from cigarettes. Meet us at The Hub at 300 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. anytime between 8 and 11 am. Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your energy. This event is run by The City of Fort Lauderdale in partnership with Florida Department of Health of Broward County’s Tobacco Free Partnership and its SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco).
What to bring: Closed‑toe shoes, sunscreen, water, and your best beach‑cleaning attitude.
Ages: 8+, and parents are welcome!
Day Two — Monday, March 16, 2026
ASB Born Learning STEAM Trail
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Monarch Lakes Park
2150 SW 136th Ave in Miramar
Pre-registration is required, and parents are welcome!
If you love science, puzzles, creativity, or just being outdoors, this day is for you. The Born Learning STEAM Trail installation transforms the park into an interactive adventure where young people can explore hands‑on activities to spark curiosity and build problem‑solving skills.
It’s perfect for families and students ages 12 and older. This outdoor event will take place rain or shine. Participants will be installing signs for Born Learning Trails signs. Please be prepared for light physical activity. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety.
Day Three — Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Youth Justice Day
9:30 am to 3 pm
African American Research Library & Cultural Center
Registration is required, and it is for students from 7th to 12th grades. Parent are welcome!
This powerful day is a collaboration among Urban League of Broward County, United Way Broward’s Project EmPOWER, and BYC. The theme of “Healing Through Empowerment: Building Resilience” sets the tone for a day of conversations and community solutions.
Students will connect with Urban League, law enforcement, youth leaders, and community advocates to talk about safety, knowing your rights, crime prevention, and social responsibility. It’s interactive and designed to help young people feel informed, confident, and empowered.
Pre-registration is required, and lunch is included.
Day Four — Wednesday, March 18, 2026
“Behind the Screen — Internet Safety Sociodrama”
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Nova Southeastern University
The Mailman Hollywood Building, 2nd Floor Auditorium
3301 College Ave., Davie, FL 33314
Note: Parking at NSU is $1 per hour via PayByPhone.
Registration is required, and this event is for ages 13+. Parents are welcome!
This interactive, high-impact sociodrama performance addresses the risks youth face online and on their phones — designed to spark conversation, build awareness, and promote safer digital decision-making among high school students and their parents. Scenes include:
· online and cellular stalking
· cyberbullying
· sextortion awareness
Day Five — Friday, March 20, 2026
BYC Team‑Building Day at Tigertail Lake Recreational Center
11:45 am to 5:30 pm
Pre-registration is required, and this event is for middle- and high‑school students.
Tigertail Lake’s ropes course and outdoor challenges are the perfect way to celebrate a week of leadership and service. Students will climb, balance, zip, and cheer each other on while building teamwork skills and confidence.
Lunch is included, everyone gets a t‑shirt, and there are prizes throughout the day. Parent waivers are required.
Alternative Spring Break provides ample, unique opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, build friendships, and make a tangible impact in Broward County. It’s also a chance for parents to see their children lead and shine in ways beyond the classroom.
United Way Broward’s programs for Youth Opportunity, the Broward Youth Coalition, and all our ASB partners believe in the power of young people to shape the future. And this Spring Break, we’re giving them a week packed support, experiences, and possibilities.
Alternative Spring Break 2026 is a chance for students to turn a week off into a week of purpose, adventure, and leadership. Whether you’re a student ready to step into something bigger or a parent who is looking for meaningful opportunities for your child, now is the time to get involved.
Register for the events that inspire you, invite friends to join, and help us build a fun, meaningful Spring Break for Broward's young people. Spots fill quickly — secure your place, show up with curiosity, and be part of a movement powered by young people who are ready to lead. See you in March — let’s make ASB 2026 the best one yet!