This fall break, Penn students participated in a local Alternative Break experience centered on transformative justice and abolition. Through workshops and site visits with community partners such as Why Not Prosper and the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project, participants learned about grassroots efforts to support currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. The program encouraged students to reflect on systems of punishment and reconciliation while exploring how transformative justice can shape healthier, more equitable communities.

Testimonials:

“Participating and leading in this fall’s Penn Alternative Break was a truly eye-opening experience. I loved every moment—from hearing the powerful stories of community leaders to engaging in deep conversations about justice, healing, and accountability. The trip helped me make real connections between transformative justice and the kind of work I aspire to do in my career. It was inspiring to see what advocacy and change look like at the community level, and it reminded me why equity and restoration must be at the heart of public health and social systems.” – Corey (C’26)

“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with PAB. The conversations were enlightening and beyond engaging. I learned much that I hadn’t known before, and I appreciate being given the space to consume such important information.” – Daniya (C’28)

“PAB has been such a reflective experience. It helped me recognize how our internal values can reproduce carceral practices and guided me toward ways to change that. It also connected me with an incredible community of people working toward abolition in Philadelphia, offering one of the most genuine ways to learn about the city and its grassroots initiatives.” – Anna (C’29)