Collegiate Challenge
We are honored to offer this alternative spring break program to colleges and universities nationwide, and we consider ourselves blessed to be able to accept students year-round.
If you would like to learn more about Collegiate Challenge and how you can get your school involved, contact Matt at mzornow@chathamhabitat.org or call 919-542-0794.
2025
2026
Week One
2026
Week Two
*You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer on the construction site.
Minors who are 16 or 17 years old are welcome, but they can not
use power tools or work on scaffolding.
Got Questions?
We've Got Answers!
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What is Collegiate Challenge? Collegiate Challenge is a fundraising and volunteer program where college and university students spend a week of their school break working on a Habitat build site instead of a traditional vacation. Chatham Habitat offers it year-round, not just during Spring Break.
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When can our group volunteer? Any time of year. Our mild North Carolina climate means we can host groups even outside the traditional Spring Break window, and we run several build sites at once so we can shift your group's tasks if weather changes.
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What does it cost? A $250 participation fee per student helps cover food, supplies, and local support for your group. This fee is required to participate.
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What's included? Lunch is provided every working day, and local churches and restaurants often donate dinners. Lodging is provided by Tyson's Creek Baptist Church, with spacious sleeping space, a full kitchen, and a game room. At the end of the week, we host a banquet-style dinner and send your group home with Chatham Habitat swag and a video recap of your trip.
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Do we need to arrange our own transportation? Yes. Groups are responsible for getting themselves to and from the build site each day.
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Is there an age requirement? Volunteers must be at least 16 to work on a construction site. Volunteers who are 16 or 17 cannot use power tools or work on scaffolding.
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How do we get started? Contact Matt at 919-542-0794 ext.228 or mzornow@chathamhabitat.org to check availability and get your group registered.
About
Chatham County
Chatham County is a rapidly developing area adjacent to North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, where some of the biggest brands in tech and manufacturing have begun setting up headquarters.
What used to be family farms and quaint rural towns are fast becoming high-priced corridors of suburban sprawl. Local leaders are doing their best to balance the inevitable growth with the Carolina culture, resulting in a blend of old country and modern convenience that's incredibly charming and comfortable.
In an effort to provide affordable housing for the growing population of this area, Chatham Habitat has committed to building 8 homes per year for local working families - but we need your help! Our workforce is largely made up of volunteer labor, and our building materials are purchased using donated funds.
Why Choose Chatham Habitat?
We know you've got options for where to spend your Alternative Spring Break - and we may be biased, but we think Chatham Habitat is a really special place!
Aside from providing your group with comfortable accommodations and lunch every day, we'll also throw you a banquet-style dinner at the end of your work week. We'll shower you with Chatham Habitat swag like shirts and hardhats, plus document your experience on-site with a video diary you can share with friends and family.
There's also plenty to do around here! Chatham boasts miles of walkable nature trails and greenways, endless rivers and lakes to fish or swim, plenty of eclectic shopping venues featuring unique hand-made goods, art studios and classes, really great restaurants and so much more!
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Want to give it a shot? We'd be thrilled to have you!
Contact Matt Today!
919-542-0794
ext 228
