VALPARAISO – JUNE 5, 2025 – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Center of Workforce Innovations a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy. The funds are part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation’s history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.
CWI will use the award to offer Fast Track to HSE, an opportunity for individuals who feel as if they could pass the HSE test after 3 afternoons of focused learning. Successful completion of the accelerated course, offered at no cost to participants, leads to students earning either their GED or HiSET — paving the way for better job and life opportunities.
“We are deeply thankful to Dollar General for this generous gift. Their support is an investment in the futures of our adult learners and the strength of our community,” explained CWI’s Director of Adult Education, Samantha Smith. “With these funds, we can continue to break down barriers to education and open doors to brighter opportunities for those we serve.”
Thanks to the grant award, CWI is able to bring back the popular, effective program. The first of several upcoming Fast Tracks to HSE will officially kick -off in Crown Point, Ind. on June 9 at Crown Point Public Library. During each three-hour session, instructors will help students prepare for the practice test and review their essay- writing skills. Throughout the year, the program will be offered across Northwest Indiana, allowing more people to achieve their goal of a high school diploma.
“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The recent grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students 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.
The Foundation also plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 21, 2025, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.
For more information about CWI’s Fast Track to HSE, call (866) GRAD-219 or email grad219@cwicorp.com.
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