Let Your Voice Be Heard About Literacy Pittsburgh’s Federal Funding  

The proposed federal budget for 2027-2028 calls for eliminating funding that Literacy Pittsburgh relies on to support its services. While this is concerning, it is not final! A similar proposal was made last year, and Congress rejected it after staff, students, donors, and volunteers spoke up about the life-changing impact Literacy Pittsburgh has on our community. You can show your support for Literacy Pittsburgh in two ways. The first is to click the link below to contact your congressperson and let them know this is an important issue to you! Or, you can write a letter to your representatives. If you would like support from a Literacy Pittsburgh staff person to do this, please let us know, and we can help! 

Here's how you can help:
Send an email to Senators
Send an email to Representatives

October Digital Skills Calendar

New school year, new digital skills!

Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink^® Downtown, PA CareerLink^® Allegheny East, Penn Hills Library, and EARN Duquesne. We’re also hosting Digital Skills Orientation, Intro to Zoom, and Google Career Certificate Info Sessions to help students get started with computer classes and self-directed learning.

Please note the updated Open Lab listing! 

Open Lab Schedule (except as noted):

• Mondays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; no Open Lab on Sept. 7 and Sept. 28) 
• Mondays and Wednesdays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PA CareerLink^® Downtown; no Open Lab on Sept. 7, 28, and 3)
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; no Open Lab on Sept. 29) 
• Wednesdays, Sept. 2 and 9: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Penn Hills Library)
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (EARN Duquesne)

We hope we have some classes that interest you! As always, please email us at DigitalPGH@LiteracyPittsburgh.org and please specify which class(es) and dates you are interested in.

Finally, don’t forget our calendars are also available at www.LPStudent.com/calendar.

Please note: Literacy Pittsburgh will be closed on Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, 2026, for the Labor Day holiday.

Instructional Planning Week: There will be no computer skills classes or Open Labs held during the week of September 28 - October 3, 2026.

Have a Happy Labor Day weekend!

Service Coordination Events

Fall Resource Fair

📍 Wednesday, October 28, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center

Join us for our Fall Resource Fair! We will have vendors from Angel's Place, Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, Catholic Charities, and more. Come and learn about the resources available in the Pittsburgh area. For more information, please contact mbraziel@literacypittsburgh.org or eseti@literacypittsburgh.org. 

Career Services Classes and Workshops

Rosedale Technical College Information Session
📍Thursday, September 3, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 
Online on Zoom

This info session is for students who are interested in learning about education programs at Rosedale Technical College and New Century Careers. These programs are for people interested careers in the automotive, transportation, construction, skilled trades, manufacturing, or production industries. Register here. If you have questions, please contact Noelle Dreizin at ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org.

Resume Workshop
📍Thursday, September 3, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Online on Zoom

During this workshop, you will learn about the importance of cover letters. You will also learn about LinkedIn and how to use the platform to improve your networking opportunities and increase your chances of landing a new job. Register here. If you have any questions, please contact Noelle Dreizin at ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org or Anna Pellas at  apellas@literacypittsburgh.org 

Corporate Conversations Workshop
📍Wednesday, September 9, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Hear directly from professionals working in different industries about their career paths and day-to-day work. Ask questions about jobs, education, and workplace expectations in a supportive setting. This is a great opportunity to explore career options and learn from real-world experience. Register here.
Contact Kate Humphries khumphries@literacypittsburgh.org with questions.

University of Pittsburgh Jobs Info Session
📍Thursday, October 1, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Join us for an informative session to learn about career opportunities at the University of Pittsburgh. You will learn about available positions, the application process, employee benefits, and the university's commitment to professional growth and workplace excellence. Register here. Contact Noelle Dreizin, ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org or Kate Humphries, khumphries@literacypittsburgh.org with questions.

Ongoing Drop-in Hours
https://www.lpstudent.com/jobs

📍Dates and times can be found here
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

Drop-in hours are a time for individual career advising services where no appointment is required. Services offered during drop-in hours may include:

• Upwardly Global registration
• Resume consultations
• Interview preparation
• Cover letter writing
• Assistance with job or school applications

• General advisement on goals and career exploration                              

Drop-in hours are available for active Literacy Pittsburgh students only. Translation services are limited to Google Translate; however, we will do our best to assist all students.

Please note that this is not a job placement service. Students will apply for jobs with guidance from career advisors. Career advisors do not apply for jobs on behalf of students. If a student requires job placement services, we can provide contact information for staffing agencies. For questions, please contact Noelle Dreizin at ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org, Kate Humphries at khumphries@literacypittsburgh.org, or Anna Pellas at apellas@literacypittsburgh.org 

New Career Training Opportunities 

Customer Service
📍Mondays and Wednesdays, September 14 to December 16, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

Prepare for a career in customer service and administrative roles. Hone your soft skills and earn certification in customer service skills through PA Women Work and IBM SkillsBuild. Boost Microsoft Office skills in Outlook, Teams, Word and Excel. Develop SMART goals, explore career pathways, practice networking and interviewing skills. Register here.

• Requirements: Work authorization, high school diploma
• Registration Deadline: September 7, but you will need to respond early enough to schedule a test before this date.

Immigrant Worforce Program (IWP)
📍Mondays and Wednesdays, September 14 to November 4, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Online on Zoom

Class designed to support immigrants in navigating their job search and building relevant skills. Includes sessions on resumes, interviews, and employer presentations. You will also be matched with a career counselor, who you can meet with even beyond the class time. Register here.

• Requirements: Work authorization
• Registration Deadline: September 7

Writing for College Class 

📍Mondays and Wednesdays
October 5 - November 11
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center

Are you interested in improving your writing for college or for your professional life? Then the Writing for College is appropriate for you! 

This class helps students prepare for first-year college writing assignments. Students will learn about close reading and the stages of the writing process, from freewriting to drafting to revision. This class will require students to write during each class session. By the end of the class, students will have learned how to approach first-year college writing. To sign up, please click here. Email mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org or call 412-801-1675 if you have any questions about this class or other College Pathways classes.

Celebrate the Power of Literacy This September

August has come and gone, and we hope you’ll join Literacy Pittsburgh in looking forward to September. September is National Literacy Awareness Month, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Here are some dates to know: 

International Literacy Day is September 8 and became a holiday in 1966, with the belief that reading and writing are human rights.   

National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is September 13 - 19, and we encourage you to celebrate with a post to social media about what Literacy Pittsburgh means to you! Please be sure to tag us!

If Literacy Pittsburgh has helped you to achieve your goals and steer your own journey, please also consider supporting us with a financial donation in the month of September.

Click here to make a gift to Literacy Pittsburgh today! 

National Literacy Awareness Month aims to engage readers of all shapes and sizes. We encourage you and your fellow students to be the best you can be next month! 

PA CareerLink^® Pittsburgh –
Roadmap to Awareness Day 

Follow the roadmap toward career success! Each stop provides the tools, confidence, and resources needed to overcome employment barriers. The journey culminates in Awareness Day, the largest Career & Resource Fair of the year, where job seekers can connect directly with hiring employers, community partners, and workforce professionals.

Career Confidence Hub
📆 Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
🕛 Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
📍 Location: 300 Penn Ctr. Blvd., Building 3, Suite 800
Build the skills, image, and confidence employers are looking for.
🔗 Register here

Awareness Day Career Fair
📆 Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
🕛 Time: Veterans 9:30 am - 10:00 am, All 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
📍 Location: 209 Mall Plaza Blvd.
PA CareerLink^® Pittsburgh’s biggest Career & Resource Fair of the year.
🔗 Register here

Free Clinics in Allegheny County

Did you know that free clinics throughout Allegheny County can help you get access to healthcare?

Here are some clinics to know about:

Birmingham Free Clinic 
Catholic Charities - Allegheny County
Sheep Inc Health Care Center: Penn Hills Office

September Community Events

 Birds & More Naturalist-Led Walk

📍 Wednesday, September 2,  9:00 am - 10:00 am
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
614 Dorseyville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Join a free, naturalist-led Birds & More Walk. These walks are held year-round. Please note: ASWP’s outdoor programs will be canceled in the case of severe weather. For more information, please visit the website.

Pittsburgh Opera Market Square Concert

📍Thursday, September 17, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm 
Market Square Farmers Market
Forbes Avenue and Market Street

Pittsburgh Opera's 2026-27 Resident Artists will entertain Pittsburghers with a free open-air concert at Market Square during the Farmers Market.

Slow Tech Fair

📍Sunday, September 20, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children's Way, Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Featuring ideas, opportunities, and organizations that help families "slow tech" and create healthier technology habits. This event brings together local and national companies and organizations that offer products, activities, and alternatives to tablets and smartphones for children and teens. Families will leave with practical strategies for creating sustainable behaviors and implementing values at home that support healthy brain development and overall well-being for children.

DetentionHelp

DetentionHelp is a free website that helps people in immigration detention fill out legal forms to ask for release. It was built by experts at three immigration non-profits including ASAP, Human Rights First, and the National Immigration Project. It is easy to use and does not require a lawyer. Visit www.detentionhelp.org.

Back-to-School Financial Tips

Back-to-school costs can add up quickly. Save money by making a budget and a shopping list before you buy.

Check what you already have at home, compare prices, and look for sales or free school supplies in your community.

Try to stay within your budget and focus on needs before wants.

A little planning can help your family get ready for the school year while saving money! 💰📚

Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom

Recently, the cabinet received a generous donation thanks to Alex Coombs, a Literacy Pittsburgh tutor who organized a workplace donation drive through BNY IMPACT. BNY employees donated a variety of much-needed items to help stock the cabinet and support students and their families.

“We're grateful for the generosity BNY employees have shown,” said Alex. “Every contribution reflects a commitment to supporting our local community and making a meaningful difference in Pittsburgh.”

Thank you to Alex, BNY IMPACT, and all participating employees for helping strengthen this important resource for our students.

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

At Literacy Pittsburgh, Mario studied English for Academics for 18 months with teacher Amanda, then completed Customer Service for Healthcare and Microsoft Excel. A PA Women Work class strengthened his interview, resume, and communication skills, giving him the confidence to enter the workforce.

Through Literacy Pittsburgh’s Career Pathways program, Mario discovered the Bidwell Training Center and enrolled in its Institutional Pharmacy Technician Program—a major turning point in his career.

Share your success story with us! You can help inspire others who are overcoming barriers and working toward their goals. Email it to Najlaa at nebrahim@literacypittsburgh.org

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a future that is yours to design.” – Unknown