Adult Education and Literacy Program Awarded National Grant

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded the East Central College Foundation, working on behalf of the ECC Adult Education and Literacy Program, a $10,000 grant to support its mission in 2019. This local grant award is part of more than $8.3 million in grants awarded to nearly 1,000 schools, nonprofits and organizations across the country.

“Literacy is a problem that very much exists in the East Central College service area,” said AEL Director Alice Whalen. “There are more than 20,000 adults in Franklin, Gasconade, Phelps and Warren Counties without a high school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate.”

The AEL Program will use the grant to support the adult education program and the volunteers who assist students in the classroom.  Currently, AEL classes are held in Rolla, Sullivan, Union and Washington during the day. Night classes are held Cuba, Hermann, Montgomery City, Owensville, Pacific, Rolla, St. Clair, St. James, Sullivan, Union and Washington. Additional English Language classes are held in Rolla, Union and Washington.

“Our dedicated staff members and volunteers work tirelessly to help improve a student’s skills in math, reading, writing, social studies and science,” added Whalen. “All classes, books and materials are provided free for students. We aim to create personalized experiences for our students – addressing their specific needs and helping them achieve their personal goals.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $168 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 10 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.

Find out more about the AEL program at www.eastcentral.edu/ael or by calling call 636-584-6533.