Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) has received a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) to expand adult literacy programs across its four-county rural service area. The award is part of a record-breaking single-day grant total of nearly $16 million distributed nationwide — surpassing the Foundation’s previous record of $13.2 million set in May 2025.
Grant Funding Will Address Key Barriers to Learning
The funding targets three barriers that prevent adult learners from completing their education: technology access, transportation, and financial hardship.
Specifically, the grant will support:
- A mobile laptop lending cart to give learners consistent access to computers for both virtual and in-person instruction
- An emergency transportation assistance fund for students facing short-term financial challenges
- GED testing fee coverage for approximately 30 low-income students
The program aims to serve around 60 adult learners enrolled in adult basic education, GED preparation, and digital literacy skills training.
“This grant strengthens our ability to serve adults in Beaufort County who are working toward greater literacy and life skills,” said Penelope Radcliffe, director of Career and College Readiness at BCCC. “Our Career and College Readiness program is committed to meeting students where they are, and this support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation allows us to expand access to those who need it most.”
A Record Year for Literacy Funding
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center every year since its founding in 1993. This year’s single-day total of nearly $16 million supports adult, family, and summer literacy programs across the 48 states where Dollar General operates.
“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,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”
Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $292 million in grants, helping more than 25 million individuals take steps toward literacy, a GED, or English proficiency.
How to Get Connected with Literacy Resources
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals who want to learn to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Free referrals to local literacy organizations are available at www.dgliteracy.org or through brochures found at the register of every Dollar General store.
Looking to support literacy in your community? The Foundation will launch its seventh annual Yellow Glasses Project on July 20, 2026. Customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each, with proceeds benefiting the DGLF.
This article was originally posted on the Beaufort County Community College website on May 27, 2026: https://www.beaufortccc.edu/beaufort-county-community-college-receives-10000-grant-to-expand-adult-literacy-programs/