Dollar General Literacy Foundation celebrates milestone
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation surpassed a milestone of helping more than 20 million individuals. Since 1993, the DGLF has helped increase access to quality education for individuals of all ages in communities that Dollar General calls home.
“We are thrilled to surpass this major milestone of supporting more than 20 million students across the country since the Foundation’s inception more than 30 years ago,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The gift of literacy lasts a lifetime, and we look forward to helping more individuals build a brighter future in the years to come.”
To celebrate this milestone, the company is showcasing several learners from across the country who have benefitted from the support of the DGLF:
Natalia in Houston, Texas
After moving from to the United States from Colombia, Natalia struggled to find an English as a second language program that fit her needs and schedule. Then, she found and enrolled as a student at BakerRipley, a non-profit that has brought resources, education and mentorship to neighborhoods across Texas for more than 117 years.
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At BakerRipley, Natalia developed confidence in her English-speaking abilities, allowing her to advance her career and grow her small business.
“Natalia and her classmates had to present an end-of-semester project to the class, and the theme was my hometown,” said Alicia, Natalia’s teacher. “Natalia was able to speak in front of her class about her hometown of Bogota. I was amazed at how much she improved speaking, reading, and writing English."
After three semesters, Natalia is now poised to take her English skills and business to a broader audience with confidence.
The DGLF recently awarded BakerRipley with an adult literacy grant to support its adult literacy program in 2024.
Naziel in New Orleans, La.
Sixteen years ago, Naziel began attending Kedila Family Learning Center as an afterschool and summer camp student. There, he found his mentor, Mr. Dipo, executive director of Kedila Family Learning Services, who helped instill knowledge and confidence.
“I would like to thank Mr. Dipo and Kedila for making me the man I am today,” Naziel said.
Now as an adult, Naziel is continuing his journey with the organization by working at Kedila summer camps for the past four years. “Working for Kedila has made me realize that if you keep working hard and don’t follow the crowd, you still can be great,” he said.
Naziel plans to use all he has learned to pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education with aspirations to become a school principal.
To further enhance Kedila’s adult literacy program and help more students like Naziel, the DGLF recently awarded the organization with an adult literacy grant.
Elijiah in Nashville, Tenn.
Communities in Schools of Tennessee served as a support system for Elijah when he wasn't performing his best in high school, facing mental health struggles and continued adversities in his personal life. During his freshman year, Elijah was referred to Communities in Schools and was assigned Chad as a mentor.
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Chad supported Elijah with academic and mental health resources, as well as nutrition and fitness advice. Following Elijah’s very strong pre-ACT test score sophomore year, Chad organized a group of teachers to offer their praise and support for Elijah, which led him to take schoolwork more seriously.
Elijah pursued a dual enrollment program through a partnership between his high school and Rowan State University, which allowed him to take college classes as a high school senior. After high school graduation, he plans to enroll in college to study physiology, having found a passion for nutrition and fitness.
In May 2024, the DGLF continued its support of the organization through a youth literacy grant.
John in Winter Park, Fla.
Born the seventh of 14 children, John decided to go back to school with the help of the Adult Literacy League in Winter Park, Fla., at age 68. In addition to becoming a student in 2013, John recently completed serving more than six years on the organization’s board of directors, giving a student’s perspective to the program’s operations. Additionally, John received the 2022 Dollar General Student of the Year Award by Pro-Literacy.
“Adult Literacy League has been a beacon for me. I have learned to meet hard times with an unconditional will. After working with the Adult Literacy League teachers, I can now read, spell and pronounce words and write a paragraph. They have given me a new outlook on life, and I am now giving it back to the young people so they will pass it on to the next generation,” shared John.
In May, the DGLF awarded the Adult Literacy League with an adult grant to support its 2024 programs.