Collegiate Challenge

We are honored to offer this 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.

What is Collegiate Challenge?

Collegiate Challenge is a fundraising and volunteer event where college and university students partner

with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Typically held during a break from the academic calendar,

students forego their traditional vacation for a week of service work on a Habitat build site.

All affiliates host Collegiate Challenge differently.

We like to provide our groups with all the comforts of home, so they can spend more time building

and less time worrying about food or lodging. Lunches are provided on every working day, and

local churches and restaurants regularly donate meals to our groups for dinner.

Lodging is provided by Tysons's Creek Baptist Church:

they include spacious sleeping arrangements, a giant restaurant-grade kitchen

and a wildly impressive game room. School groups are asked to arrange their own

transportation to and from the build site.

While these opportunities are most popular during Spring Break, Chatham Habitat offers this program year-round,

as our southern climate provides comfortable weather regardless of the season. With several build sites active at any given time, we're prepared to pivot your group to different tasks given changes in the forecast.

To fund our mission and support the local businesses that provide food and supplies to your group,

a participation fee of $250 per student is required to participate in Collegiate Challenge.

Check out the videos below to see some of our recent Collegiate Challenge groups in action!

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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.

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!