An Alternative Spring Break from MTV. MTV is always on the cusp of what is new, different and young. This story is in keeping then with those who believe that we are witnessing a new spirit of participation among the new generation:

But something will be strikingly - indeed, refreshingly - different today as one of TV's most iconic programs gets underway. In a phrase, "Spring Break" has gotten serious. The culmination of a joint effort with United Way that was launched in February, this week's so-called "Alternative Spring Break" will be just that - an alternative to the many other "Spring Breaks" that came before. Along with a vast array of the usual "SB" special programs and events this week, it will also feature news reports that were collected by some 100 student-journalists from around the country who are part of MTV's so-called "Storm Corps" and who converged on Biloxi, Miss., and Foley, Ala., last week to help rebuild communities devastated by Katrina. (A special documentary will air next Saturday at 4 p.m. entitled "The Amazing Break," in part about how other kids gave back during their week off.)

Read the article for yourself.

[With a minor clarification, Rock the Vote is an independent, non-profit organization that partners with MTV among other media companies, we're not part of MTV.]