In a boost for local education, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced today that it will distribute about $20,000 in youth‑literacy grants to four Oregon schools and a nonprofit organization. The funding is expected to reach over 700 students throughout the state, providing books, technology and other learning resources.
Grant recipients
The awards break down as follows:
- Santiam Elementary School in Mill City – $5,000
- Mt. Angel Middle School in Mt. Angel – $5,000
- Philomath Elementary School in Philomath – $3,936
- Children’s Literacy Project in Sweet Home – $5,000
Each organization may use the money for professional development, classroom books, technology, equipment or other instructional materials that support K‑12 learners.
Foundation background
Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, said, “When students have access to books, technology and educational resources, they gain tools that can support their learning for years to come. Through our youth literacy grants, we are honored to help strengthen schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations’ literacy programs and resources.”
The foundation’s national effort has already awarded more than $4.1 million to youth‑literacy programs across the country. Since its inception in 1993, the organization has granted nearly $297 million, reaching more than 26 million individuals nationwide.
Recent fundraising campaign
Alongside the grant announcements, the foundation recently concluded its seventh annual Yellow Glasses Project. Partnering with country‑radio personality Bobby Bones, the campaign has raised over $9 million since 2020 to support literacy initiatives.
Looking ahead
Applications for the 2027 grant cycle will open online in January 2027. The upcoming round will continue to focus on youth, family, summer and adult literacy programs located within a 15‑mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center.
Local educators and community leaders welcomed the support, noting that additional resources are critical for maintaining strong reading programs and closing achievement gaps, especially in rural areas. The grants represent a tangible investment in the future of Oregon’s children and underscore the importance of private‑sector partnerships in advancing education.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
