Some people think spring break is about raising a little hell.

But 14 Keuka College students will be focused on raising roofs.

The students—and two staff members—will join more than 12,000 fellow spring breakers from across the country participating in Habitat for Humanity’s “Collegiate Challenge” March 23-30.

 The College Challenge program offers high school and college-age students year-round opportunities to use their vacations to serve a community by volunteering to build homes. This year’s challenge is expected to result in new homes in 210 locations. The Keuka group will be headed to Lee County, Florida.

“While many of their peers are relaxing, these students will be putting in hundreds of hours of hard work during Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge,” said Alynn Woodson, associate director of Habitat’s youth programs department. “By the end of the week, not only will the students have learned how to build a house, they’ll also see how their actions can help improve people’s lives by providing safe, affordable shelter through a Habitat for Humanity home.”

One of those students, junior Laura Williams, looks forward to “an exciting opportunity to learn, create friendships, and help others.

“It is amazing to me that in such a short time a group of college students can create a lasting impact on the lives of others who have been devastated by natural disasters and/or economic hardships,” said Williams.

More than 155,000 students have built houses during the 19-year history of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge program. These students have also raised more than $14.6 million to pay for construction. This year alone, Collegiate Challenge students will contribute $1.5 million to help build houses. 

Keuka students are raising funds to offset some of the costs associated with the trip, including a donation to Habitat for Humanity. Donations may be made to Keuka College Alternative Spring Break, c/o the Center for Experiential Learning, Keuka Park, N.Y.14478.