POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (March 16, 2022) – Instead of catching up on sleep or sitting by the pool students from across the country are spending their spring break building homes through Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s “Collegiate Challenge” program.

This year’s “Collegiate Challenge” kicked off on Tuesday, March 8 and lasts for two weeks. With assistance from Habitat Broward’s leaders, homeowners, and core volunteers, the students will be roof shingling, wall furring and painting homes for families in need of affordable housing. The need is great with more than 80 percent of Broward families unable to own their own home.

“We thank the students for using their spring break to participate in the Collegiate Challenge, which shows their true humanitarian hearts,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat Broward. “Through our Collegiate Challenge these students will develop construction skills, build lifelong friendships and make a huge difference in our community.”

Participating schools include Florida Atlantic University, Illinois State University – Wesley Foundation, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Babson College.

Collegiate Challenge was established by Habitat for Humanity in 1989 and has seen more than 260,000 students volunteer across the country, helping thousands of families achieve a decent place to live.

Students make both volunteer and financial contributions to Habitat Broward during their Spring Break, building homes and raising funds to help families in need of safe, affordable housing.

Applications for Habitat Broward’s homeownership program are open now, visit habitatbroward.org for more information.