Foundation grant supporting adult literacy at PCC

WINTERVILLE — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Pitt Community College an $8,000-grant in support of adult literacy.

Since 1993, DGLF has supported entities that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction, and inspire a love of reading. Including PCC’s grant, the charitable organization has donated more than $10.6 million this year to adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs located in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.

PCC’s funding will go toward its High School Equivalency Program (HEP), which helps migrant farmworkers and their families obtain a High School Equivalency, commonly referred to as a GED. Jaymi Mitchell, PCC Director of Grants Management, says the grant will help pay for student supplies, practice testing materials and testing fees when students complete instruction.

“With a culture of excellence and innovation, Pitt Community College is a vital partner in the community’s economic and workforce development efforts,” said Melissa Morlock, PCC Director of Transitional Studies. “HEP participants who obtain their high school equivalency benefit by improving their education and skills to obtain higher wage jobs or continue their pursuit of higher education at two- and four-year institutions.”

DGLF Executive Director Denine Torr says her organization believes people of all ages deserve access to quality education.

“The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” she said. “This year’s spring grant cycle is equally exciting, as we surpass impacting more than 20 million individuals. We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives, helping them to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.”

In three decades, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $250 million in grants that have helped more than 21.5 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Funding is awarded to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries located within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers.

DGLF also offers a student referral program for anyone interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to local organizations that provide free literacy services are available by visiting dgliteracy.org/program-locator and through referral cards found in the “Learn to Read” brochures available at every Dollar General store cash register.

To learn more about DGLF or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.