Home Depot kicks off 2024 HBCU support
The Home Depot kicks off its 2024 Retool Your School program, which provides career development opportunities and improves campuses at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“Over the past 15 years, I’ve personally witnessed the long-term impact of this program,” said Arlette Guthrie, senior vice president of human resources at Home Depot.
This year’s Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant is expected to support 30 campuses with grants ranging from $40,000 to $150,000 per school.
The retailer said that HBCU students, alumni and supporters can vote for a deserving college or university at RetoolYourSchool.com/vote.
Voting opens Monday, February 26, and ends Sunday, March 24, 2024.
“A portion of Home Depot’s 2024 investment will focus on career development such as internships, externships, scholarships, community projects and innovation lounges. The remaining funds will support the flagship Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grants,” said the retailer.
Since its inception in 2009, the Retool Your School program has:
- Enabled HBCUs to allocate funds for need-based initiatives. Examples include upgrading high-use campus spaces like dorms and athletic courts, as well as improving surrounding communities through neighborhood clean-ups and supply drives.
- Supported students through career development. Scholarships and externships have not only helped pay for college tuition and other costs, but also supported students by providing opportunities to learn from professionals in their chosen fields and gain critical experience as they enter the job market.
- Garnered over 68 million votes and positively impacted 77 campuses, accounting for more than 70% of the nation's HBCUs.
This year, Home Depot is expected to surpass $10 million in financial support since the program began in 2009.
“Retool Your School reflects Home Depot’s core values and commitment to supporting the communities we serve, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next 15 years,” said Guthrie.
