JAG Logo
DONATE
FIND YOUR STATE

DOLLAR GENERAL CASE STUDY

A retail leader funds the foundations of literacy

Partner

  • Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Challenges

  1. Access to Literacy Remediation
  • In 2022-2023 40% of JAG students suffered from low academic performance.
  • 57% of JAG students were living in poverty or disadvantaged economically
  • 73% had inadequate or no work experience.
  • 78% lacked marketable occupational skills, which is in demand in today’s workforce.
  • JAG students needed access to comprehensive literacy programs to arm them with the skills to reach their respective reading levels in accordance with their age and grade. Falling behind can lead to credit deficiencies impeding high school graduation, low academic performances in English, and basic skills deficient based on standardized tests.
  • Vital literacy programs lead to more robust grammar and English skills, enhanced reading comprehension, correlating with better grades, keeping students on track to graduate high school, and preparing them for secondary education and improved opportunities upon entering the workforce.
  • Such programs are especially important for students for whom English is their second language.
  1. Barriers to Student Success
  • Literacy remediation through JAG’s in-school and out-of-school model was needed to develop core academic competencies, and correlates with improved scores for high school graduation, GED, or HSE attainment.
  • Students lacked access to external or community programs that provide one-on-one monitoring of student progress.
  1. Lack of funding for providing necessary programs and support
  • For many JAG students, overcoming the barrier of literacy required targeted support and resources, which would help students improve in many of these areas while improving their grades and staying on track with their classmates.

Solution

  • The Dollar General Literacy Foundation provided JAG with $100,000 to give students access to literacy programs across the country, thus pioneering a key initiative for JAG focusing on Academic remediation, specifically highlighting the enhancement of literacy skills, helping to empower JAG students while fostering stronger communities.

Outcomes

“I was born to a single immigrant mother from Oaxaca Mexico. My older brother is autistic

and nonverbal so as an English language learner I was the bridge of communication for my mother and brother. It wasn’t until 3rd grade that I found myself competent in English where I could understand most conversations. JAG has helped me conquer my journey in mastering the English language by competing in the CDC for Prepared Speaking. I memorized a 5-minute speech with tons of challenging words for me. All thanks to JAG and my specialist I am confident in speaking professionally.” – Sandra Contreras Gonzalez, West Point High School JAG, Grade 12.

Conclusion

The Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation created resources for students who did not have access to them beforehand. These funds helped students access the help they needed to acquire a fundamental skill.