The Foundation for ľ«¶«´«Ă˝ (SoLAcc) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) to support adult literacy efforts throughout the Acadiana region. The grant is part of a record-breaking $13.2 million investment by DGLF to advance adult, family, and summer literacy across the country.
The funds will support SoLAcc’s initiative “Literacy Matters: Transforming Lives Through Adult Education,” which provides free Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), and English Language Learning (ELL) classes across all eight Acadiana parishes. Designed to meet learners where they are, the program helps individuals build literacy skills, earn a high school equivalency diploma, and improve employment opportunities—paving the way for personal and economic growth.
“Thanks to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, we’ll be able to reach even more adult learners who are ready to take the next step,” said Lana Fontenot, Executive Director of the Foundation for SoLAcc. “This support strengthens our mission to open doors, remove barriers, and help our community members gain the confidence and skills they need to move forward.”
According to 2023–2024 data, SoLAcc ranked first among all Louisiana community colleges for the number of students earning a HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test) diploma. In addition to free prep classes and ESL instruction, SoLAcc offers the Chancellor’s HiSET Scholarship—a $500 one-time award to help graduates continue their education in any SoLAcc program.
“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” said Denine Torr, Executive Director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s 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.”
To learn more about adult education at SoLAcc or to register for classes, visit solacc.edu/adulted or call 337.521.9087.