Worcester, MA-On Thursday, October 5, 2000 at 4: 00 p.m., the West Boylston Wal-Mart made an Environmental Grant to the University Transportation Center (UTC) at Assumption College. The grant underwrites the project being done by the 6th grade at Worcester's Quinsigamond School, entitled "The Story Behind the Blackstone." This project was one of nine that were funded through the UTC in April. Those nine grants totaled $45,000.

Wal-Mart has chosen to partner with Assumption College because of the commitment Wal-Mart has had to environmental education since 1990. They found "The Story behind the Blackstone" a compelling project, one worthy of their resources. This particular project is being led by 6th grade teachers Don Lamberto, Maureen Jarvis, and Jan Ramano. This project will lead 100 6th graders in the creation of a course of study on the significance of the Blackstone River Canal. The course, once completed, will be used by other 6th grades in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to learn about the impact the Blackstone River Canal has on the environment and economy of the Blackstone River Valley.

Those expected to be in attendance at the event on Thursday include the teachers, principal, and some students from Quinsigamond School; representatives from Wal-Mart; officials from the Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.; and members of the UTC Advisory Board.