Roane State receives Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant

Roane State Community College received a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to offer more classes that help adults earn their high school equivalency diplomas.

The $8,000 grant will be used to assist with the cost of instructors, supplies, and instructional materials.

“We very much appreciate the support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation,” said Melissa Browder, Roane County Adult Education supervisor. “Their contribution allows us to offer adults a path to a high school diploma, an accomplishment which can lead to better career opportunities and open the door for adults to continue their education.”

Grant partners include the Oliver Springs Housing Authority, Luminary United Methodist Church, the Tennessee Career Center, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Harriman, and the Roane County Literacy Council. Roane State and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology are also collaborating to provide field trips to adult students that will show them career options and encourage them to pursue postsecondary education.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support 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 $81 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 4.7 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.

“At Dollar General, we are passionate about our mission of serving others throughout the communities we serve,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and chief executive officer. “It’s exciting to see the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s outreach in action as we partner with organizations to further education and literacy and make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Roane State offers adult education and literacy services in Roane, Morgan, and Scott counties. Also, the college works cooperatively with the provider of services in surrounding counties. These services include GED preparatory classes, the GED official practice test, and basic skills (math, reading, etc.). Last year, Roane State/Roane County Adult Education served more than 300 students with 111 students completing a GED/High School Equivalency Diploma.

For more information, contact Browder at (865) 376-6663.