The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Spoon River College Adult Education Program an $8,500 grant to support adult literacy. The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation’s history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation,” said Chad Murphy, Director of Adult Education at Spoon River College. “Their continued investment in adult literacy highlights the transformative power of education, not just for individuals, but for entire communities. This funding allows us to expand our reach, support more learners, and help adults build the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.”
Through its Adult Education Program, Spoon River College helps individuals earn their Illinois High School Diploma and transition into college-level coursework. Preparation classes focus on reading, writing, social studies, science, and math—core subjects required to pass the GED exam and build a strong academic foundation. These free classes are offered at multiple times and locations across the college’s service area to accommodate diverse student needs.
“Since the Foundation’s inception in 1993, our focus has remained on making meaningful investments in students, teachers, and the organizations that support literacy and learning at every stage of life,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We are grateful for the impact teachers and educators make every day and are excited to have another record setting year of helping expand literacy access for learners of all ages. These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $271 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 23 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.