Jim Thorpe Academy has been awarded an $8,500 Beyond Words grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support the restoration and expansion of its school library. The grant will fund shelving and books to replace those lost in the April 19, 2023, tornado that devastated Jim Thorpe Academy, bringing new opportunities for students to connect with reading and learning.
Research shows that when students have access to books, they develop stronger literacy skills, expand their vocabulary, and build a lifelong love of reading. With the support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Jim Thorpe Academy is taking another step toward ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed academically and personally.
“Having a strong library is essential to providing students with opportunities to grow as readers and learners,” said Jim Thorpe Academy Principal Hannah Holland. “This grant allows us to create a more engaging space for our students, where they can explore new ideas, discover their passions, and develop a love for reading that will benefit them for years to come. We are deeply grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for their commitment to supporting literacy in schools.”
The new shelving and expanded book collection will provide a fresh start for the Jim Thorpe Academy library, ensuring that students have a safe, engaging environment that supports both academic growth and personal enrichment.
Since its founding in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $238 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping millions of individuals take their next steps toward literacy, education, and a brighter future.
For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its work to support schools and communities, visit www.dgliteracy.org.