Claflin University to Compete Nationally for Home Depot’s ‘Retool Your School’ Grants

By LaChrista Williams
Communications and Marketing Intern

Claflin University is a finalist in The Home Depot’s 2014 “Retool Your School” campus improvement grant program.

Claflin is just one of dozens of Historically Black College and Universities competing for $225,000 in grants for on-campus improvements. The University is seeking support from the campus and public to help the Claflin win.

Beginning at 12 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2014, Claflin supporters can visit www.retoolyourschool.com to vote for sustainable campus improvement projects, which include upgrades to the exercise room in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, upgrades to Claflin’s Orange and Maroon Room, and handicapped access and new signage for the Arthur Rose Museum.

One $50,000 Tier 1 grant, thirteen $10,000 Tier 2 grants and three $25,000 Campus Pride grants – awarded to the top three schools receiving the most online votes and social media activity, as determined by The Home Depot – will be awarded. Winners will be announced Saturday, May 3, 2104.

“We encourage the entire Claflin family to vote early and often in The Home Depot’s ‘Retool Your School’ contest,” Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale said. “This grant funding could greatly improve the daily campus life for faculty, staff and, most importantly, our visionary students.”

Claflin students, faculty, staff, friends and supporters are encouraged to vote once a day on every web-accessible device they have, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. For more information or to vote, visit www.retoolyourschool.com.

LaChrista Williams is a junior Mass Communications major and Business Administration minor. She is an intern with Claflin University’s Office of Communications and Marketing for spring 2014.