LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — UPDATE: Philander Smith University placed 10th in the Retool Your School contest and will take home $40,000.
Philander Smith University is excited as they patiently wait to see if their university wins the 15th annual Retool Your School contest.
"We really want to win this, and I think this year, we actually have it in the bag," Philander Smith University student Brianna Lewis said.
The 2024 Home Depot Retool Your School contest is a program that recognizes improvement projects for historically Black colleges and universities.
"It gives us a way to exhibit our school pride but at the same time, earn money," said Carolyn Hall, vice president of academic affairs at Philander Smith University. "Much needed financial assistance for many of our institutions."
Hall said this contest can go a long way for Philander Smith students for generations to come.
"Philander Smith University is small but mighty," Hall said. "Funds such as these will help us empower our students in a way that a lot of private donations... we don't get because we don't have endowments as big as some of the larger schools."
Philander Smith University was founded in 1877. In August 2023, it became the second historically Black university in Arkansas, joining the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Hall said the university wants to preserve its rich history, but a few changes never hurt.
"It will help us replenish our bookstore and update some of the student hangout places. "Just elongate or empower our students even more with their school pride."
Lewis, a third-year student, is all for making improvements because she wants to see the school she loves continue to grow.
"The students make up Philander," Lewis said. "If you can improve something that the students are going to use every single day, like their entire collegiate experience, then that's good for them."
It all depends on the people to make Lewis and Hall's dream come true. You can vote on the 2024 Home Depot Retool Your School website.
"If you're going to represent Arkansas, we're the only school in Retool Your School right now," Lewis said. "We're kind of your only option, and I feel like you should go with your only option, which is also the best option to vote for Philander."