Providence, RI – One hundred and fifty-one members of the Providence College class of 2008 will spend their first days in Providence participating in the College’s 14^th annual Urban Action program. Come rain or shine, members of the Providence College class of 2008 will join 22 upper-classmen leaders and volunteer 3,000 hours of work to improve the safety and beauty of the East Bay Bike Path and the Woonasquatucket River.

On Thursday, September 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , the students will work on the portion of the popular bike path that runs along the Providence River , clearing litter, trash and other debris along the bike trail and river banks.

On Friday, September 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, September 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. , students will work at three points along the Woonasquatucket River – Olneyville Square, Donigian Park and parallel to Promenade Street – to clear trash and debris from the water and surrounding areas. The river cleanup is being conducted in conjunction with the Narragansett Bay Commission.

The Urban Action program was initiated by Providence College students in 1991 with 17 students volunteering the first year. Since then, more than 1,800 freshmen have participated, with many returning each year as leaders. The goal of the program is to provide incoming students with an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community that will be their “home away from home” for the next four years.

Past projects have included conducting a massive cleanup at the City Arts! building; clearing pastures and outbuildings to create a community farm for Providence families; digging trenches for the city to lay electric lines for a community sports league; and preparing a spot for Smith Hill Center ’s outdoor performance center and park. Students also participate in similar neighborhood projects throughout the academic year.

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