SALISBURY — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Rowan County Literacy Council (RCLC) a $5,000 grant to support adult literacy. This local grant is a part of the foundation’s more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. With today’s grants, the DGLF also surpasses helping more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams since its inception in 1993. 

“Dollar General’s singular focus on improving literacy rates nationwide is unique and impressive,” RCLC Executive Director Laurel Harry said. “DGLF’s support allows so many people all over the county — and right here in Rowan County — to build a better future for themselves and their families. We are very grateful for their steady support over the years.

In 2023, RCLC served 168 students in all programs, including 101 adult students. The adult program provides one-on-one tutoring in basic literacy, English as a second/other language (ESOL), as well as high school  equivalency and citizenship prep. Demand for RCLC’s adult literacy programs continues to grow, and adult program hours in 2023 were 59 percent greater than the previous year. RCLC provides personalized  instruction to students allowing them to focus on their most immediate goals. Typical goals include finding or improving employment, helping children with schoolwork, attaining citizenship or being able to better understand financial and health-related topics.  

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.  

“We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy  and education,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “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.” 

The tutoring provided by the Literacy Council is done by volunteers, and new volunteers are needed to work  with the dozens of students on the waiting list. No prior teaching or foreign language experience is required, and all training and materials are provided free of charge. To find out more about volunteering, visit the Literacy Council’s website www.rcliteracy.org or call 704-216-8266.

The Literacy Council is located on the second floor of the Rowan Public Library, on 201 W. Fisher St., in Salisbury.