Funds will be used to enhance lighting, communal spaces on campus
GRAMBLING, La. – April 15, 2021 – Grambling State University (GSU) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Home Depot® Retool Your School Program. As one of 10 winners in the first cluster, funds will be used to enhance lighting and communal spaces on campus.
HBCU students, alumni, and advocates were encouraged to cast votes for the HBCU of their choice until March 15. 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. Additionally, the Campaign of the Year award of $45,000 was presented to the school whose campaign proved to be particularly effective for galvanizing its community to drive votes for the program.
“Thanks to our students, alumni, supporters, and the investment from Home Depot’s Retool Your School Program, we will be able to adapt campus spaces to be more reflective of the realities associated with COVID-19,” said Dr. Gourjoine Wade, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students at GSU. “This year’s $20,000 grant award combined with last year’s $50,000 award will allow us to enhance existing social, academic, and green spaces to incorporate recommended social distancing in regards to public spaces in Carver Hall, The Tiger Den, and prominent outdoor areas around the campus. This is a significant investment and support towards the student experience here at Grambling.”
By installing energy-efficient lighting that will illuminate interior common areas and exterior green spaces, students, faculty, staff, and community members can study, research, engage, and interact within appropriate safe distances. The project will also include Installing modern, sustainable furnishings that can be easily distanced apart and give students adequate, safe, and comfortable areas to support their social and emotional well-being.
“Since 2009, The Home Depot has continued to increase its investment in campus improvements for HBCUs,” said The Home Depot’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Derek Bottoms in a release. “We are ensuring HBCU students have an upgraded environment that enhances their educational experience as they progress on their journey to become the next generation of leaders.”
Current plans call for the Retool Project at Grambling State University to begin this summer with a goal of completion before students return in August.
About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. The Company operates a total of 2,298 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2020, The Home Depot had sales of $132.1 billion and earnings of $12.9 billion. The company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.
About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901 that combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. This combination enables students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. The 590-acre campus offers 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. With a longstanding tradition of excellence, Grambling State University continues to emphasize the value and importance of each student, exemplified by our motto: Where Everybody Is Somebody.