Trine University receives grant for Trine Pals Literacy Program

Trine University has received a $5,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in support of the university’s Trine Pals Literacy Program, which it offers through its Education One programming. Education One is an effort of the university to authorize schools throughout Indiana to help meet the needs of all students. The Trine Pals Literacy Program gives third graders the opportunity to work on their literacy skills with the help of Trine University students acting as pen pals, mentors, and reading instructors.

According to an article on Trine University’s website, Emily Gaskill, who serves as the Executive Director of Education One, was quoted as saying of the grant award, “We are thrilled to continue our Trine Pals Literacy Program through this grant. This program not only strengthens literacy skills for young learners but also inspires them to dream about their future in higher education. The impact of pairing college mentors with elementary students is powerful, and we are proud to support such transformative work.”

The Trine Pals Literacy Program is beneficial for both the third grade students it serves and the university students who work with the children. The program involves Trine University students working alongside the third graders, serving as pen pals to help the kids improve their writing skills, as well as visiting the classrooms in person to help teach reading and serve as positive role models. Additionally, the program distributes books to the kids, giving them the ability to accumulate a personal collection of books to improve their reading skills and foster a love for reading, despite potentially not having access to books outside of school. The program currently serves about 150 third graders around the state of Indiana. 

Trine University students have the opportunity to serve the community through interacting with kids in a classroom setting and displaying positive role modeling through encouragement, teaching, and mentoring.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has been distributing grants to help improve literacy since 1993. The Foundation provides funding to schools, non-profit organizations, and libraries that are within 15 miles of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. The $5,000 awarded to Trine University is part of the $3.5 million the Foundation has distributed recently.

Denine Torr, who serves as the executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, said, “As the immense need for accessible educational materials and resources for our country’s youth continues, we are proud to provide vital support to local literacy programs. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation believes every investment in the education of a young student is an investment in a brighter future. We are grateful to the local schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations that are serving students and helping them thrive.”

For more information about Trine University, visit the school’s website.