Retool Your School: The Home Depot Elevates HBCU Student Life

The Bull Pen Room: The Home Depot Retool Your School Program Partners With Charlotte HBCU To Elevate Student Life

Source: Courtesy Of Brand / Courtesy of Brand

The Home Depot Retool Your School program is elevating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) one grant at a time, bringing renovation upgrades, growth opportunities, and more to campuses nationwide. For Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, North Carolina, the program has transformed how students engage and connect on campus.

Designing a dynamic space that brings students together

With the support of the Retool Your School program, JCSU completely reimagined the Bull Pen, a go-to spot for student hangouts. This student lounge got a fresh, exciting upgrade—including new flooring, furniture, and plenty of games and activities. Now, it’s the perfect spot for students to relax, unwind, and have some fun.

“The Home Depot Retool Your School grant didn’t just renovate the Bull Pen, it gave us a space where we feel proud to hang out. Now it’s a place where we come to create social events and make meaningful moments.”

Empowering HBCUs one grant at a time

For 16 years, the Home Depot has supported HBCUs nationwide with its Retool Your School program. This initiative funds campus upgrades that elevate the student experience, bringing new spaces to life where the campus community can truly thrive.

Retool Your School’s impact goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about creating spaces that inspire students to engage, collaborate, and grow. Each grant not only beautifies student spaces, it fosters community, connection, and growth. To further the Home Depot’s commitment to helping students unlock new opportunities, the Retool Your School program has expanded over the years to offer community project grants, scholarships, and professional development opportunities.

By supporting projects like the Bull Pen renovation, the program celebrates the proud legacy of HBCUs like Johnson C. Smith University. This partnership helps strengthen schools and the students they serve, setting them up for lasting growth and success.

Learn more about how the Home Depot is partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. Visit RetoolYourSchool.com.

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