Ten Thousand Students Trade Swimsuits for Hammers to Build Habitat Homes

AMERICUS, Ga., Feb. 18, 2003 -- Ten thousand high school and college students are breaking with tradition this spring break by trading in their swimsuits and suntan lotion for coveralls and work boots as they use the holiday to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Students from across the country will visit 200 locations Feb. 16 - April 19 to hammer nails and raise walls as they build simple, decent and affordable houses in partnership with families in need through Habitat for Humanity International's "Collegiate Challenge."

Thousands of students will travel to rural and inner-city areas of the United States to build new houses or refurbish existing residences. Other students will travel overseas to help families in Third World countries achieve the dream of homeownership.

"We are excited that young people want to get involved in helping families who are less fortunate," said Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International. "We want to raise the roof on poverty housing. We know that with the help of students, we can eliminate substandard housing from the face of the earth."

Throughout its 15-year history, Collegiate Challenge has sent more than 80,000 students to build Habitat houses. During this time, students have raised nearly $7 million through the program to pay for the construction. This year alone, Collegiate Challenge students will contribute $1 million to build 450 houses. Students involved in Collegiate Challenge raise money to pay for the house's construction and also work on the house.

Some of the major Collegiate Challenge spring break destinations this year include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jacksonville, Fla., Washington, D.C., Charleston, S.C., Philadelphia, Long Beach, Calif., Westchester County, N.Y., and Columbus, Ga.

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Founded by Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates in more than 3,000 communities in 87 nations have built and sold more than 125,000 homes to partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. www.habitat.org

Campus Chapters and Collegiate Challenge Destinations

Anniston, Ala. - Hyde School, Appalachia Volunteer Corps, College of the Holy Cross, Michigan State University, Boston University, Syracuse University, Bemidji State University, Christ Church Newman Center, Penn St University, Purdue University, Asbury College, Indiana University at Bloomington, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth University of Minnesota, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Algers Park Christ Reform Church

Auburn, Ala. - University of North Texas

Dothan, Ala. - University of Kentucky, University of Dayton

Fairfield, Ala. - Beloit College, New York University

Huntsville, Ala. - College of St. Benedict, Stephen F. Austin State University, University of North Texas

Mobile, Ala. - Carroll College

Phenix City, Ala. - Defiance College, Marshall University, University of New Hampshire, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Surprise, Ariz. - St. Olaf College, Minnesota State University at Moorhead, Miami University, Concordia College

Fayetteville, Ark. - Valparaiso University, Austin College

Fort Smith, Ark. - Gannon University, University of Minnesota - Morris, Minot State University

Concord, Calif. - University of Iowa

Long Beach, Calif. - Sacred Heart Prep, Northern Dutchess Christian School, Catholic University of America, University of Portland, Coastal Carolina University, University of Connecticut, Northwestern University, First Congregational Church, Westside High School

Oakland, Calif. - Southeast Family YMCA, Edina High School, New Song Church, University of Montana, Minnesota State University at Moorhead, University of Minnesota, North Dakota State, Iowa State University, Carroll College, Loyola Marymount University, Concordia College, Belmont Youth Group

Oakland, Calif. - Twin Lakes Church

Oxnard, Calif. - Weaver State University

Sacramento, Calif. - Wilfrid Laurier University, Trinity Western University, Concordia College, Morningside College - Sioux City, University of Iowa, University of Kansas Whitworth

Loveland, Colo. - University of South Dakota

Alamosa, Colo. - Whitney High School

Bridgeport, Conn. - Brenau University, University of Toronto UACT, Miami University Plattsburgh State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Hartford, Conn. - Nashua High School, Wilson College, Gordon College, Emma Willard School, Suffolk University

Avon Park, Fla. - College of the Holy Cross, Wooster Polytechnic Institute, Temple University, Georgia Southern Christian

Boca Raton, Fla. - Alma College, Oakland University, University of Pittsburgh, Bentley College, Muskington College

Bunnell, Fla. - Michigan State University, Lycoming College, University of Pittsburgh, Syracuse University, Penn State University, Texas Lutheran University, Wheaton College, Knox College, University of North Dakota, Washington & Jefferson College, Ohio University, Jacksonville State University, Taylor University

Crawfordville, Fla. - John Paul II Institute, Peddie School

Dade City, Fla. - Villanova University, Western Illinois University, New Hampshire Community Technical College - Nashua, Bristol Community College, Calvin College, Greenville College, Wright State University

Deland, Fla. - Alfred University

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - Augustana College, Michigan Tech, Illinois College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Science, University of Massachusetts - Medical School, Lourdes College, Miami University, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship - National, Ohio State University

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. - University of Toledo

Marianna, Fla. - Blackburn College, Syracuse University

Jacksonville, Fla. - Saint Anselm College, Davis and Elkins College, Washington University, Yale University, Pennsylvania State University, Huntington College, New England College, Bethel College and Seminary, Ohio State University

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. - Washington and Lee University, Mount Saint Mary's College, Siena Heights Campus Ministry, Miami University, Youngstown State University, Purdue University, Skidmore College, University of Minnesota, Cornell University, Buena Vista University, Luther College, Bethel College and Seminary, Saint Gerards Church

Lakeland, Fla. - Georgia Institute of Technology, College of the Holy Cross, Lakeland College, St. Lawrence University

Miami, Fla. - SUNY Delhi, Widener Alternative Spring Break, Mercyhurst College Corporation, Vanderbilt University, Mary Baldwin College, University of Virginia, Miami University, University of Toledo, University of Pennsylvania, Lee University, Ferris State University, Wake Forest University, University of Pennsylvania, Trinity College, Berry College, Bradley University, Purdue University, Fordham University, University of Kansas, University of Massechusetts- Amherst, Minnesota State University at Moorhead, Rutgers University - New Brunswick, Niles West High School, Keuka College, University of Cincinnati

Naples, Fla. - NaplesNez, Ripon College, Gustavus Adolphus College

Ocala, Fla. - John Brown University

Orange Park, Fla. - Waynesburg College, Bowling Green State University, Lebanon Valley College, Yale University, University Of New England, Bethel College and Seminary

Palmetto, Fla. - Keene State College

Port Charlotte, Fla. - East Carolina University, New Hampton School, The Hotchkiss School, Carnegie Mellon University, Baldwin High School

Saint Augustine, Fla. - Kentucky Christian College, Yale University

Sarasota, Fla. - University of North Carolina

Tallahassee, Fla. - College of the Holy Cross, Lees-McRae College Inc., American University, Binghamton University, Wheaton College, Plymouth State College, Arkansas Tech University

Tequesta, Fla. - Central Michigan University

Titusville, Fla. - College of the Holy Cross, Indiana University at Bloomington

West Melbourne, Fla. - Southern Illinois University, University of New Hampshire, Taylor University

West Palm Beach, Fla. - Rye Presbyterian Church, York College of Pennsylvania, College of Saint Rose, Robert Morris University, Indiana University at Bloomington, University of Maryland, Chester YMCA

Winter Haven, Fla. - College of the Holy Cross, Wittenberg University, William Jewell College

Albany, Ga. - Northern Michigan University, College of Misericordia, Quinnipiac University, Simpson College, Shippensburg University, University of Hartford, Blake High School, Roger Williams University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois

Americus, Ga. - The University of Findlay, Texas Christian University, Wayne State College, Catholic University of America, Dickinson College, George Washington University

Athens, Ga. - University of Wisconsin - Stout

Augusta, Ga. - Roberts Weselyan College, University of Michigan, Ringling School of Art and Design, Northwestern College, College of the Holy Cross, University of Central Florida, Saint Norbert College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Bucks County Community College

Columbus, Ga. - Central College, Ithaca College, Syracuse University, Loch Haven University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, University of Pennsylvania, Mary and Washington University, Minnesota State-Mankato, Truman State University, North Carolina State University, Emmanuel United Church, Emory and Henry college

Cordele, Ga. - Villanova University, Evangelical Community Church, Appalachia Volunteer Corps

Douglas, Ga. - Taylor University

Eastman, Ga. - Purdue University

Greenville, Ga. - University of Minnesota - Duluth

Macon, Ga. - Appalachia Volunteer Corps

Milledgeville, Ga. - Cedarville University

Valdosta, Ga. - AmeriCorps, St. Louis University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Minnesota State University at Moorhead, Hope College, Cornell University, University of Minnesota- Duluth, Ohio Wesleyan University, College of Saint Scholastica, Denison University, Mississippi State University, Saint Leo University, Washington University, University of South Dakota, Saint Francis University, Juniata College, Michigan State University, Valparaiso University

Lihue, Hawaii - University of Michigan Law School, Concordia University, Salt Lake City Community College, Auburn Riverside High School

Richmond, Ky. - Michigan State University, Central Missouri State University, Otterbein College

Lawrence, Kan. - Shippensburg University, First Baptist Church, Gustavus Adolphus College

Lexington Ky. - Cuyahoga Valley Christian High

McCarr, Ky. - Appalachia Volunteer Corps

Alexandria La. - Eastern College, Texas A & M University, Plymouth State College

Baton Rouge, La. - University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Covington, La. - Adrian College, Bridgewater College, St. Joseph's College, Purdue University, Northwest Missouri State University

New Orleans, La. - Georgetown University, University of North Carolina, University of Toledo, Illinois Wesleyan University, Messiah College, Central Connecticut State University, Luther College, The University of Alabama

Slidell, La. - Baker College

Springhill, La. - Wartburg College, Vanderbilt University, University of South Florida, Park School

Thibodaux, La. - Oklahoma State University

Battle Creek, Mich. - Ohio Northern University, Southern Illinois University, Saint Mary's College of Maryla

Port Huron, Mich. - DeSales University

Brainerd, Minn. - Sterling College Salem College

Clarksdale, Miss. - Villanova University, University of Rhode Island

Jackson Miss. - Ohio Northern University, Eastern Illinois University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Illinois University of Illinois

Jonestown, Miss. - College of the Holy Cross, Gonzaga University

Leland Miss. - Gustavus Adolphus College

Starkville Miss. - Appalachia Volunteer Corps, St. Thomas More Church

Tutwiler, Miss. - Western Michigan University, Bemidji State University, University of Northern Texas

Vicksburg, Miss. - Eastern Michigan University, University of New Hampshire, University of Chicago

Branson Mo. - Syracuse University, University of Texas-Arlington

Jackson, Mo. - University of North Texas

Kansas City, Mo. - University of North Texas,

Liberty Mo. - Boston University, University of Wisconsin - Oshkos, Hendrix College

Omaha Neb. - Texas A&M University, University of New Hampshire, Drexel University

Beverly, N.J. - University of Pennsylvania

Camden, N.J. - Kings College University of Illinois

Pedricktown, N.J. - Simmons College

Alamogordo, N.M. - Colorado Rocky Mountain School

Los Lunas, N.M. - Concordia College, Dallas Baptist University, Central College, Drew College Prep School, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Southern Connecticut State, Air Force Academy, Coe College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Rye Presbyterian Church

Santa Fe, N.M. - Catholic University of America, Dallas Baptist University, University of Northern Colorado, University of Wyoming, Tulsa University, University of Missouri-Columbia

Taos, N.M. - Clark University, Dallas Baptist University, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Air Force Academy, Taylor University

New Burgh, N.Y. - Appalachia Volunteer Corps, Lesley University

New Rochelle, N.Y. - McGill University, Appalachia Volunteer Corps, Western Michigan University, Illinois State University, St. Joseph College of Maine, University of the Pacific, Minnesota State University at Moorhead, North Dakota State University of Wisconsin - Madison, Berea College, Harvard University

Cleveland, Ohio - Seton Hill University, East Carolina University, Erin Mills United Church College of Liberal Arts

Dayton, Ohio - Western New England College

Norman, Okla. - Black Hills State University, St. Louis University, Southwest Baptist University

Oklahoma City - Ohio Northern University, Boston University, University of New Hampshire, Air Force Academy

Stroud, Okla. - University of North Texas

Bend, Ore. - University of California - Davis HF

Madras, Ore. - College of Charleston, University of California - Davis

Portland, Ore. - University of Pennsylvania, Humboldt State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of California-Santa Barbara

Sisters, Ore. - Western Washington University

Coatesville, Penn. - Appalachia Volunteer Corps, University of Maine, Northeastern University

Doylestown, Penn. - University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Harrisburg, Penn. - Appalachia Volunteer Corps, Central Missouri State University, Saint Albans High School

Lancaster, Penn. - Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Norristown, Penn. - Marist High School, Boston College, University of Wisconsin

Philadelphia - Providence College, Harvard University, National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Waynesburg, Penn. - Bluffton College, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Ursinus College, Fordham University, Marymount College of Fordham University, University of Chicago

York, Penn. - Rivier University, Concordia College, Rutgers University - New Brunswick Gustavus Adolphus College

Sioux Falls, S.D. - University of Colorado

Jackson, Tenn. - College of St. Benedict, Bloomsburg University, Plattsburgh State University, Edgewood College

Robbins, Tenn. - University of Pittsburgh, Wesleyan University, University of Chicago, State University of New York College at Oswego

Abilene, Texas - Vanderbilt University, Saginaw Valley State University, North Dakota State

Amarillo, Texas - University of North Texas

Austin, Texas - Purdue University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Luther College

Bryan, Texas - Concordia College, University of North Texas, New Mexico State University

El Paso, Texas - Capital University, LeMoyne College, Johns Hopkins University, Creighton University, Babson College

Seguin, Texas - University of Wisconsin - Madison

San Antonio, Texas - Wartburg College, National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Wichita Falls, Texas - University of Southern Mississippi, Wittenberg University, Ohio University

Bringham City, Utah - University of South Dakota, University of Idaho, St. Olaf College

Newport News, Va. - Dartmouth College, Carnegie Mellon University

Richmond, Va. - Washington University, College of the Holy Cross, Bucknell University, University of Pennsylvania, Franklin and Marshall College

Manson, Wash. - Seattle University

Olympia Wash. - Sitka High School

Vernon, Wash. - LeMoyne College

Charleston W.Va. - Providence College

Franklin, W.Va. - Hyde School, Boston College, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Georgetown University, University of Scranton, George Mason University, Fitchburg State College, University of Vermont, Carthage College, Whitewater University, Eastern Connecticut, Simon's Rock College of Bard, Michigan State University

Huntington W.Va. - Holyoke Community College,

Pineville W.Va. - Binghamton University, University of Vermont, Marshall University, Western Kentucky University

Manitowoc, Wis. - Grace College, University of Pennsylvania

Casper, Wyo. - Trinity Western University, Minneapolis St. Paul Church of Christ, Air Force Academy