Lackawanna College Receives Grant

Lackawanna College was awarded a $5,142 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support adult literacy. Funds will be used to offer two free English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for Spanish speakers at its Hazleton Center in the summer and fall of 2022. This local grant is part of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s recent award of a $10.5 million donation to support summer, family, and adult literacy programs, representing the organization’s largest one-day grant donation in its 29-year history.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Dollar General,” said Casey Weisbeck, manager of the Lackawanna Language Academy (LLA) at the Hazleton Center. “The grant removes a significant financial barrier, giving Spanish speakers with little to no English proficiency access to educational resources. This opportunity opens the door for furthering their education, providing a pathway for future success in our Hazleton community.” 

Coordinated by the (LLA), the ESL classes will be offered in the summer and fall of 2022 and assist Spanish-speaking students with limited or no English proficiency. ESL classes will benefit 48 Hazleton residents. The 10-week evening courses will be in-person with take-home lessons. After completing the program, students will be eligible for Lackawanna College’s English Proficiency certificate program, an 18-credit program that continues English language learning and prepares students for college-level work.

“For nearly 30 years, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has been proud to invest in literacy and education programs in our hometown communities,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The recent and significant shifts in the educational landscape have made the Foundation’s mission more critically important. As we work to create access to high-quality instruction for all individuals, we share our gratitude for the educators who are working to uplift and empower others. We hope these funds will have a meaningful impact on students and teachers across the country and look forward to seeing the positive impact they have on learners.”