The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Williamsburg City School a $2,720 grant to support its youth literacy program. This local grant is part of more than $4 million recently awarded to nonprofit organizations, libraries, and schools in Dollar General’s hometown communities across the country to help extend a brighter future for K-12 students.
“This grant will be used to fund the R.E.A.L Read program at our school in grades K-2. Scholastic R.E.A.L is a literacy-based mentoring program that utilizes high-quality, engaging books to contribute to our student’s academic success. A mentor from the community will read to and connect with students through read-alouds and guided book discussions. Students will receive a copy of each book read by their mentor to build their at home libraries, and families can learn new ways to support literacy at home through the family guides that are included. My hope is that this program will inspire a love of reading while strengthening literacy skills and developing meaningful connections for students,” Kassie Lowrie, Library Media Specialist and grant recipient.
Williamsburg City School is dedicated to implementing literacy initiatives that improve reading, writing, and comprehension skills for students. Mentorship programs, like R.E.A.L read, is just one of the many ways that Williamsburg creates a supportive environment that fosters literacy development and a lifelong love of reading.
“We understand investing in youth literacy means investing in the future of students and our collective communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Through these grants, we hope to enhance the programs’ efforts to foster students’ critical thinking skills, creativity and confidence so they can unlock their potential and achieve their dreams.”
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 $254 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 21.8 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 distributions center.
To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.
