Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant Helps Fund
YWCA GED® Preparation Classes

Dollar General Literacy Foundation has announced a $350,000 grant to the YWCA GED® Preparation Program. The free classes, which are offered in five convenient Davidson County locations, are for men and women adult learners (18 and older) who lack a high school diploma and wish to improve their basic skills or prepare for the GED® test. 

There are over 80,000 adults in Davidson County who lack a high school diploma or GED®. (Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development)  “YWCA GED® Preparation classes help students increase their financial strength and achieve self-sufficiency by teaching the skills necessary for better employment opportunity,” explained YWCA CEO, Pat Shea.  “Dollar General has been instrumental in funding the program from its inception in 2007,” she continued.  “With Dollar General’s generous support, the program has served close to 1,000 students so far this year, noted Shea.  “

“I knew that I needed an education to build a better life for me and my family,” explained recent GED graduate, Marqwela Harding.  “I am grateful to the YWCA and Dollar General for helping me achieve my goal.

Students can start classes any time. The classes are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes are available in Green Hills, North Nashville, East Nashville, Madison and Antioch areas of Nashville. The teachers, who are certified by the state of Tennessee, work with students in a typical classroom setting to improve math, language and reading skills needed to pass the test.   

The YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee helps families leave abusive households and start new lives.  We provide free GED® preparation services to men and women and mentor middle school girls in some of Nashville’s toughest neighborhoods.  The YWCA exists to educate, encourage and break down those barriers that perpetuate racism, violence and hopelessness.