The Home Depot has awarded 42 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with nearly $3 million in grants for campus enhancements at the annual Retool Your School Awards Celebration. Albany State University, South Carolina State University and Paine College placed first in their respective clusters, each winning a $150,000 grant. Since its inception in 2009, The Home Depot Retool Your School Program has invested more than $12 million in financial support, providing HBCUs with needs-based grants for campus renovations.
“The Home Depot has a proud legacy of supporting and uplifting Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We’ve reached more than 82 universities over the last 15 years with many multi-year relationships with the same schools,” said Molly Battin, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of The Home Depot. “Our Retool Your School grants play a crucial role in ensuring that prestigious universities can continue supporting students and their communities through critical campus improvements and innovation lounges that foster creativity and collaboration. These grants go beyond just improving physical spaces: they foster positive outcomes for students and communities across the U.S.”
The Retool Your School Awards Celebration was held on Thursday, April 11, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Hosted by actor, author and HBCU alumnae Rashan Ali, with remarks from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, The Home Depot chair, president and CEO Ted Decker and CMO Molly Battin, the event highlighted the 15-year legacy of the Retool Your School program and awarded Legacy Honorees who supported the program in an exemplary way.
Sixty-seven schools applied for grants, with participating HBCUs separated into three clusters based on student population. More than 7 million votes were cast online by students, staff and supporters – ultimately deciding the top 10 schools per cluster to receive grants ranging from $40,000 to $150,000 for campus improvements. Additionally, 12 schools were awarded Innovation Lounge funding to enhance existing spaces on campuses where students can gather, ideate and collaborate.
Congratulations to all the winning institutions of the 2024 Retool Your School program.
Campus Improvement Grant Cluster
Campus Improvement Grant Cluster 2
Campus Improvement Grant Cluster 3
Innovation Lounge Grant
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