Dollar General funds adult ed program
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy. The funds contribute to a record‑setting, single‑day total of nearly $16 million in grants nationwide—supporting adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states where Dollar General operates. The milestone surpasses the Foundation’s previous record of more than $13.2 million granted in May 2025.
“Mt. Rogers Regional Adult Education is thrilled to be awarded the Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant,” said Patricia Dover-Bedwell, program manager. “These funds will strengthen our ability to serve our communities and most of all, help individuals improve their skills, leading to better jobs. They will help provide curriculum for foundational literacy skills and additional computers for our program.”
Mt. Rogers Regional Adult Education Program serves almost 500 students across six counties and 2 cities. They offer instruction in reading and math, computer skills, preparation for GED, and occupational certifications. All classes are provided free of charge to students.
“Since the Foundation’s inception in 1993, our focus has remained on making meaningful investments in students, teachers, and the organizations that support literacy and learning at every stage of life,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We are grateful for the impact teachers and educators make every day and are excited to have another record setting year of helping expand literacy access for learners of all ages. These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”
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.
The Foundation plans to launch its seventh annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 20, 2026, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.
