Southwest Receives $20,000 Grant from Dollar General for Adult Literacy Program

Southwest Tennessee Community College has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The grant will fund an adult education collaborative that will strengthen the adult General Education Diploma (GED) program.

The grant will support up to 120 families through career and educational counseling and planning, basic literacy, and pre-GED classes, which include instructional materials such as workbooks, videos and online curriculum.

"Because of this grant, more economically disadvantaged adults will be able to get their GED," said Vickie Reyes, Southwest grant administrator. "Then, they will be able to enroll in a college or training program."

Through this grant, and in collaboration with the Memphis Literacy Council and the Women's Foundation for Greater Memphis, Southwest is enriching the lives of community residents by making services available to them in their neighborhoods. To date, nine adults have received their GED through the Southwest program.

'For many adults, getting their GED is the first step toward realizing their dreams. It has the ability to increase their employability, earnings potential, and engagement in their children's education, as well as help them achieve their college aspirations," said Denine Torr, Dollar General's director of community initiatives. "We are proud to support Southwest Tennessee Community College and help change lives."

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards grants to organizations that provide literacy, GED preparation or English proficiency services.