RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Career Learning Center of the Black Hills a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy for the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. 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.
Career Learning Center ESL Instructor, Desiree Kranz, says, “I am so grateful to have received a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Because of this additional funding, I am able to offer a new class in the morning! This class is perfect for parents and for those who work afternoons and evenings.”
This generous grant will allow the Career Learning Center to add a much-needed daytime ESL class. The current evening class is at full capacity with 31 participants and a waitlist, and now, thanks to DGLF, the Career Learning Center can expand access for even more learners. The new daytime class is especially important for parents of school-age children, allowing them to attend class while their children are at school, helping to eliminate the barrier of needing childcare.
Kranz says, “Our morning ESL class is off to an awesome start! We’re beginning our first unit on career readiness and workforce development, equipping students not just with language skills, but with tools for their future.”
After the first week of class, some of the ESL students shared their reflections:
“I tink the community is very kind and pacient.”
“I think the class was very fun, interesting, and activ.”
“I’m realizing I’m slowly gaining confidence in speaking English through class.”
“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”
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.