TEACH Adult Education in Alturas received a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. This marks the third time the program earned funding from the national group.
Sarah Merrick, Program Director for TEACH Adult Education, said the grant helps the program maintain crucial services amid cuts to educational funding. The foundation awards grants to nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. TEACH Adult Education stands out as one of eight organizations in California chosen this year.
The Dollar General store on 12th Street collects donations when customers round up their purchases. Those donations fund local programs like TEACH Adult Education.
Since 1993, the foundation donated over $10.6 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs across 48 states. The grants have helped more than 20 million people pursue education.
TEACH Adult Education supports adults who missed out on traditional high school diplomas. The grant will expand opportunities for Modoc residents by funding high school diploma completion, English as a Second Language classes, and digital literacy courses. It will also provide resources and technology to help students succeed in college, work, and daily life.
The foundation honors J.L. Turner, Dollar General’s co-founder, who struggled with literacy after only completing third grade. His grandson, former CEO Cal Turner Jr., created the foundation to help others overcome educational barriers.
Customers can support the foundation by rounding up their purchases at Dollar General registers. Every donation helps improve literacy and empower individuals in the community.
Merrick expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support. She said the grant will allow TEACH Adult Education to keep offering life-changing opportunities to adults in the area.
