The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Youth Literacy grants totaling $4,000 to two Russellville schools to help children and students who are reading below grade level or who are experiencing reading difficulty.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded grants of $2,000 a piece to Russellville Middle School for its “Reluctant No More” program, and Russellville High School in support of its “Read to Succeed” program.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Youth Literacy grants are awarded to assist with implementing new or expanding existing youth literacy programs; to purchase new technology or equipment to support youth literacy initiatives; or to purchase books, materials or software for youth literary programs.
Deborah Nale, media specialist at Russellville High School, said the money she received for the “Read to Succeed” program would go towards the purchase of books for at-risk students and books for the school’s Accelerated Reader program.
“Reading and literacy are so important to a student’s education,” Nale said. “Each semester, English teachers assign their students to read at least two books, and I feel it is my job as the media specialist to provide quality books in many different genres that will appeal to a wide range of students.
“With funding the way it is, this grant that we applied for and received will help purchase those books so we can have a wide variety and everyone will find something they enjoy.
“My hope is that if they learn to enjoy reading, they will develop a love for reading that will last throughout their lives.”
In August, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded grants totaling more than $2 million to 564 non-profit organizations, community groups, schools and libraries throughout the United States. It is estimated that approximately 315,000 youth will be served as a result of these grants.
“The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is pleased to support the literacy efforts of these groups,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO.
“The Youth Literacy grants are awarded annually at the start of the school year so that the funds are in place to have an impact on reading education and support.”
Since its founding, Dollar General has been committed to supporting literacy and education. To further this support, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation was established in 1993 to improve the functional literacy of adults and families by providing grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the advancement of literacy.
For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or for a complete list of grant recipients, visit www.dgliteracy.org.