Transforming Campuses, Empowering Students: How Retool Your School Grants Are Driving Real Change

For 17 years, The Home Depot Retool Your School program has partnered with colleges and universities to transform campuses into more innovative, student-centered environments. At the heart of this work is the Campus Improvement Grant, which has continued to expand in both reach and impact. Last year, colleges and universities had the chance to receive a grant up to $250,000. These investments are more than upgrades, they are catalysts for meaningful change, helping institutions reimagine how students live, learn and connect on campus.

Across the country, campuses are bringing bold ideas to life through Retool Your School funding, creating spaces that foster collaboration, wellness and pride. One standout example is Allen University, where the school took a holistic approach to campus improvement. Their project focused not only on physical upgrades but also on enhancing student well-being and community engagement.

At Allen University, grant funding supported the creation of a community garden to promote sustainability and healthy living, along with green living walls designed to improve air quality and bring natural elements into everyday campus spaces. Outdoor study areas now provide students with inviting environments to gather, collaborate and recharge. The addition of bike and scooter parking stations encourages eco-friendly transportation, while collaborative art and mural projects celebrate the diverse and creative student body.

The university also prioritized student well-being by revamping essential resources like a residence hall food pantry and clothing closet, improving both accessibility and organization for students in need. Renovated residence hall entryways and common areas further strengthen community pride, while newly introduced digital detox zones offer students intentional spaces to unplug and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. And, a nail and hair studio was enhanced for students to provide services and access beauty spaces on campus.  

Allen University’s transformation is a powerful example of how the Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant goes beyond infrastructure, it shapes experiences. As campuses continue to unveil their projects, the momentum is building, inspiring institutions nationwide to envision what’s possible. With each grant awarded, Retool Your School is not just improving campuses, it’s investing in the future of students and the communities they will go on to impact.