This year, the award focuses on afterschool programs that demonstrate providing literacy support, specifically to English language learner students. Eligible programs will provide programming to English language learner students with a strong literacy component focused on improving their students' reading, writing or comprehension skills.

In addition to receiving $10,000 for its program, the winner will be presented an award in Washington, D.C., at the Afterschool for All Challenge—the Afterschool Alliance's annual conference that unites hundreds of afterschool advocates, thought leaders, policymakers, state and local officials, parents, youth and members of congress.

Program staff and directors are encouraged to nominate their own program. You do not have to be officially affiliated with a program to nominate it. The most competitive nominations, however, will need data from the program itself.

The submission deadline is December 16, 2016. Learn more about the Dollar General Afterschool Literacy Award at afterschoolalliance.org and nominate a program today.

Photo courtesy of Afterschool Alliance.