The YMCA’s Community Action Project (YCAP) will use a recent $3,000 grant to support its summer literacy efforts.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded YCAP the grant as part of a one-day donation of more than $13 million throughout the 47 states in which Dollar General operates to help adult, family and summer literacy programs, according to a news release from the YMCA.
Andy Smith, regional executive director of YCAP, said summer reading support is critical for student success.
“We know that when we work one-on-one with our YCAP kids on the important fundamentals of reading, especially during the summer when some kids aren’t sharpening those skills, they are more successful in school and gain confidence in their own skills,” he said in the release.
YCAP’s summer reading program includes small group and individual direct instruction to help struggling readers with the keys to literacy and reading on grade level, the release stated. YCAP seeks to foster a love of reading and embed reading and texts in hands-on activities like gardening and wood shop.
Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, said the organization has made grants to support community programs for 30 years.
“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and access to a quality education, and we look forward to seeing these literacy grants inspire reading and build brighter futures,” she said in the release.
Cara Standifer
YMCA