SCC receives grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Published on May 30, 2025

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Somerset Community College (SCC) a $5,120 grant to support adult literacy.  The funds are 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.

Cynthia McGaha, Director of Adult Education at SCC has seen how literacy has impacted adults in the community daily while instructing adults seeking their GED.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for recognizing the importance of adult education and supporting the journeys of our students,” McGaha said.

SCC has established a variety of literacy and education programs aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of individuals in the local community. One of the recognized programs is the Adult Education and Literacy program, which offers classes in basic skills, GED preparation, and adult diploma pathways.

These programs are vital for community growth as they empower individuals to improve their reading, writing, and mathematical skills, ultimately enhancing their employability and allowing them to pursue further education or training. The funds allocated to these programs will directly benefit the local community by expanding access to educational resources and providing materials for students.

By investing in literacy initiatives, SCC helps foster a more educated workforce, which can lead to economic development, reduced poverty rates, and an overall enhancement of the quality of life in the region.

“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 or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

The Foundation also plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 21, 2025, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.