Miner Challenge

OUR WEBSITE HAS MOVED! Visit minerchallenge.mst.edu for up to date information on Missouri S&T’s Alternative Spring Break program.

Miner Challenge is Missouri S&T’s week-long alternative spring break program, sponsored by the Department of Student Life.

The Miner Challenge experience is designed to allow participants to gain exposure to new experiences, develop leadership skills, and gain awareness concerning social issues and the importance of social responsibility and civic engagement with regard to cultivating and sustaining a positive, productive society.  Additionally, participants engage in processes that foster healthy individual and team development.

By using their talent, creativity, energy, and generosity, participants in Miner Challenge make a lasting impact on a group of individuals and the communities they work with throughout this experience.

History of Miner Challenge

Miner Challenge just completed its fourth year, and is excited about celebrating 5 years of the programs existence!  The program began in 2008 with the first trip to Boone, North Carolina, where students worked with Western Youth Network and Habitat for Humanity.  We are proud of the growth and success that Miner Challenge has undergone since then.

In 2011, Miner Challenge  experienced some exciting firsts!

2011 was the first year that Miner Challenge had two teams travel concurrently to two separate locations.  One team served in Louisiana working with organizations combating poverty and homelessness, while the other team went to Tennessee to work with organizations contributing to environmental conservation efforts.  This was also the first year a team has worked in two different cities with a wide variety of organizations, rather than just one city and one main partner organization.  The 2011 Tennessee Team traveled to both Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee;  serving with Shelby Farms Park, the Nashville Zoo, and Radnor Lake State Park; allowing us to conquer new challenges, expand our reach, and add variety to our week-long service experience.

In addition, to the above, we began taking steps to connect with and include Miner Challenge alumni!  Efforts have included creating a Miner Challenge Alumni Facebook group, and inviting alumni to events such as the Miner Challenge Celebration, where current teams share about their trip experience through a presentation, photos, and conversation, with team members, donors, alumni, and other Miner Challenge supporters.  These are the people who have allowed our program to progress and transition to the next level, and it’s been a great endeavor to reconnect with them!

In 2012, we will celebrate a milestone, five years of the Miner Challenge Program!  We are proud of what we have accomplished, and excited about where we are taking Miner Challenge in the future as we develop a strategic planning team, and engage with efforts designed to further the program and ensure its sustainability!