UAPB among nation’s HBCUs to win part of $1 million grant in The Home Depot’ “Retool Your School” contest

Delta Informer Staff – May 14, 2022 – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has been selected by Atlanta-based The Home Depot receive part of a $1 million grant to retool the campus and grounds of the state’s premier Historically Black college and University (HBCU).

In late April, Hope Depot unveiled its new HBCU-focused Powered by Purpose, which includes a $1 million investment in grants to support improvements on the campuses of 30 HBCU through its 2022 Retool Your School program. Now in its 13^th year, the program is providing grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000. 

Alabama State University, one of the top performers this season, earned the Campaign of the Year award for its innovative campaign, as well as second place in Cluster 1, winning a total of $95,000. Participating HBCUs were separated into three clusters based on student population. The top ten schools with the most votes per cluster will receive grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000.

UAPB was part of the “second cluster” of winners this year, finishing in seventh place in the cohort that was won by Coahoma Community in Clarksdale, Miss. Since 2009, The Home Depot said it has invested more than $4.2 million dollars to update, upgrade, and uplift HBCU campuses. 

A hybrid Retool Your School Winners Ceremony was held on April 26 to celebrate the participating schools and the 2022 voting season. The event was hosted by actor and HBCU alumni, Laz Alonso. In addition, actor, entertainment reporter, model and HBCU alumnus, Terrence J participated in a fireside chat.

“Since its launch in 2009, The Home Depot’s Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program has provided support to almost 70 percent of the nation’s HBCUs through more than 180 grants,” said Derek Bottoms, chief diversity officer for The Home Depot. “Grants from The Home Depot have helped HBCUs make more than $5 million worth of improvements, including the creation of outdoor eco-classrooms, renovation of health facilities, revamping of residence halls, and more.”

Additionally, the Campaign of the Year award of $45,000 was presented to the school whose campaign proved to be most original, innovative, and particularly effective for galvanizing its community to drive votes for the program.

“Each year, The Home Depot Retool Your School program rallies our community together to celebrate their Tougaloo College pride to support campus improvements that make a difference in our student’s lives,” said Dr. Carmen J. Walters, President of Tougaloo College, 2021 winner of the Campaign of the Year award and Cluster 3. “The program’s impact is immeasurable.”

Congratulations to the 30 winning institutions of the 2022 Retool Your School program.  

Campaign of the Year

• Alabama State University

Cluster 1

1. Alabama A&M University                             
2. Alabama State University 
3. Jackson State University
4. Southern University and A&M College
5. Albany State University
6. Grambling State University
7. Winston-Salem State University
8. Fayetteville State University                         
9. Prairie View A&M University
10. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Cluster 2

1. Coahoma Community College
2. Alcorn State University
3. Tuskegee University
4. Benedict College
5. South Carolina State University
6. Mississippi Valley State University
7. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
8. Elizabeth City State University
9. West Virginia State University
10. Hampton University

Cluster 3

1. Tougaloo College
2. Texas College
3. Fisk University
4. Johnson C. Smith University
5. Lane College
6. Southwestern Christian College
7. Wilberforce University
8. Saint Augustine University
9. Edward Waters University
10. Rust College

Since 2009, through Retool Your School, The Home Depot has invested more than $5.25 million dollars to update, upgrade, and uplift HBCU campuses. The company is dedicated to continuing its commitment, celebrating the legacy and pride of HBCUs. To learn more, visit RetoolYourSchool.com.

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