Walmart's right to change the classroom

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Walmart launched the "Write to Change the Classroom" program, asking teachers, parents and students to write about their school-supply needs. The retailer is awarding $8,000 in school supplies to each of the 20 selected schools.

"Many schools are unable to provide the essentials - books, paper and pencils - for their students this year. We wanted to help," said Janet Bareis, VP of marketing, Walmart. "We are eager to continue the efforts started by [Ty'Sheoma] Bethea [who inspired the program], and hope that we can bring positive change to classrooms this school year."

Walmart today announced the 20 recipients who will each receive $4,000-worth of school supplies for her designated classroom and an additional $4,000 toward supplies for the entire school. Essays were judged by Bethea, as well as an esteemed panel of four nationally-recognized educators, and were reviewed based on the level of need, creativity and the positive impact these supplies would have on the school.

For more information regarding Walmart's "Write to Change the Classroom" program, please visit www.writetochangetheclassroom.com.