Sand Springs, Okla. – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Sand Springs Public Schools (SSPS) a $5,000 grant to support its youth literacy program. This local grant is a part of more than $3.5 million recently awarded to nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools in Dollar General’s hometown communities across the country to help extend a brighter future for K-12 students.
“We are deeply grateful for the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s investment in our students,” said Shawn Beard, SSPS Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. “This grant allows us to strengthen our reading intervention efforts with tools that make learning both effective and engaging. When students build strong literacy foundations, it opens doors for lifelong learning and success.”
The grant from DGLF will support reading intervention at SSPS through Really Great Reading Playground. This digital supplemental program blends learning, assessment, and practice to help students strengthen their literacy skills and solidifies the guided practice provided by intervention staff.
“As the immense need for accessible educational materials and resources for our country’s youth continues, we are proud to provide vital support to local literacy programs,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The Dollar General Literacy Foundation believes every investment in the education of a young student is an investment in a brighter future. We are grateful to the local schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations that are serving students and helping them 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.
To shine an additional light on literacy, the Foundation recently launched its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project. Now through International Literacy Day on September 8 (or while supplies last), DG customers can purchase yellow sunglasses for $2 each at participating DG stores across the country to benefit the DGLF.
A comprehensive list of grant recipients may be found online at www.dgliteracy.org
About Sand Springs Public Schools
Serving around 5,000 students, Sand Springs Public Schools is one of the oldest school districts in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. With small town charm and a tight-knit community, Sand Springs deeply values its citizens, schools, and children. Our dedicated educators are proud to serve the children of this community by providing the best possible learning experience. Each classroom is unique, tailored to the distinct needs of every student.
To learn more about our district, visit www.sandites.org.
About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $275 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 23.8 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.