The Race to Retool Our School

RALEIGH, North Carolina

Shaw University has an opportunity to better our Student Union, Blount Street, and Quad. Shaw is in the running to receive a grant from Home Depot who is having a competition to see which of several Historically Black Universities can receive the most votes to receive a grant.

According to Home Depot they have expanded the program. They are introducing a new $25,000 Campus Pride Grant for the school that shows the most initiative in promoting their proposals and garnering votes. Also they are providing an additional $10,000 Tier II Grant. In all, we've increased the total grant funds available to $185,000.

Last year the grant went to Bethune-Cookman University to help upgrade their Student Center with wheelchair ramps and barrier-free automatic access doors in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ten additional schools received $10,000 each for a variety of projects, from landscaping to lighting to irrigation.

A Shaw University student and also Alpha Kappa Alpha name Shavonna Alexander feels as if "Shaw University should campaign more, get more students involved." If more students were involved more students will be motivated to vote. Student participation is everything one sophomore student stated.

The importance of receiving funding from this project is valuable to Shaw's students and campus. "The devastating tornado that ripped through Shaw's campus left student enrollment to decrease, and afterwards leading a change in school presidency," noted by Shaw University's Director of PR Odessa Hines. This project will have impact on students and bystanders crossing citizens, as well as interested enrolling students. One goal to have by the project is to have flags to cover the around the Blount Street area to let others know that Shaw University is here and to welcome others.

Shaw University was devastated when the tornado destroyed its campus, its only right that the University receives this grant to help better the school.  All students, faculty, and alumni should support the alma mater by voting for Shaw University at www.retoolyourschool.com

Mass Communications department invites you to a vote party on Friday March 9th. Vote for your school right now and plan to come to the ACR room. Go Shaw Bears!