GED Graduation Celebration

We are excited to celebrate those students who earned their GED diploma during 2023 and 2024. You're welcome to join us and celebrate our amazing GED grads!

📍Thursday, May 9 from 6:30 - 8:30pm
CCAC Allegheny Campus - Foerster Student Services Center Auditorium
839 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Grads should arrive at 5:00pm.
Ceremony begins at 6:30pm.
Dessert reception to follow.

RSVP by May 6 at literacypittsburgh.org/ged-grad

All eligible students who earned their GED will receive a special email with more information.

Alumni Club Speaker Series Debuts

Nevena Staresinic, a relocation expert and realtor, recently talked to Literacy Pittsburgh students and alumni about the challenges of moving and integrating into a new country. Her extensive experience in helping newcomers to our area feel comfortable made her a great voice for our adult immigrant students to hear. Learn more about Nevena at moderna.us.

May Digital Skills Calendar

This month we have a full calendar of classes, workshops, and open lab times.

Classes:

Introduction to Excel (both in person and virtual)
Internet Basics
Using Email
Google Docs

Workshops:

Typing
LinkedIn Job Search
LinkedIn Profile and Network
Intro to Canva part 1 and 2
Email Etiquette
iPhone for Beginners
Google Workshop Series
Creating a Digital Business Card

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.

Our computer class calendars are available at www.LPStudent.com/calendar.

Service Coordination Updates

Service Coordination Office Hour
📍Monday, May 6 & Tuesday, May 7 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps) OR Online on Zoom

Do you need affordable internet after the Affordable Care Program (ACP) ends in April? We will help students look for affordable/reduced-cost internet options. If you would like to attend virtually, please sign up here. The Zoom link will be emailed to you on the morning of the event.

English Listening: What to Do in June in Pittsburgh
📍Friday, May 31 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
Online on Zoom

Join us if you are waiting for an English class and want to practice listening to English. You will hear Literacy Pittsburgh service coordinators talk about Pittsburgh and different events happening in the area during the month of June. If you would like to attend this waitlist event, please sign up here, and the Zoom link will be emailed to you on the morning of the event.

Getting Started with Student Services: CCR Students
📍Wednesday, May 29 from 5:00 - 7:00pm
Online on Zoom

If you are waiting for a GED class, the Literacy Pittsburgh service coordinators can help you get prepared for class while you wait. At this event, you will explore the student portal, find resources to help you study, and create accounts for websites you will use in your classes. To attend, please register here, and the Zoom link will be emailed to you on the day of the event.

Student & Career Services Updates

Upcoming Workshops and Events

The Art of Networking
📍Thursday, May 9 from 12:00 – 1:30pm
Online on Zoom   

In this workshop, JFCS's Maggie Lizzi will teach you the essential practice of networking, how to find and approach contacts, and techniques for presenting yourself effectively. Interested? Register here.

American Workforce Culture 
📍Friday May 10 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Online on Zoom  

New to the job market in Pittsburgh? This workshop will teach about American work culture, social norms, and how to navigate working in the US job market. Interested? Register here.

Career Services Office Hours  

📍Mondays from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps)  

Join Career Services during their office hours for quick career help, such as asking a question, getting feedback on a resume, or any other career-oriented questions you may have. Sessions will occur on a walk-in basis – no need to schedule in advance. Questions or concerns? Email epetrick@literacypittsburgh.org    

Career Workshops for Waitlist Students!      

📍Wednesdays from 1:00 – 2:30 pm 
Online on Zoom or Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps)  

This is a series of 3 workshops available to all students -- even before you start classes. These workshops are designed to get you started thinking about your goals and to ease you into learning with us. This month's offerings are:     

Wednesday, May 8: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys) (Zoom or DTC)
Wednesday, May 15: Resume Basics (Zoom or DTC)
Wednesday, May 29: What is Career Services? (Zoom only)

Classes are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh Students but will prioritize waitlist students. Students may attend the first two sessions virtually or in person. Interested? Register here.

Need a job? Talk to Meghan from PA CareerLink!  

📍Thursday, May 23 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm 
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps)

PA CareerLink is an organization dedicated to helping Pennsylvanians get jobs and build job skills. The PA CareerLink representative can meet with students one-on-one to talk with you about your job goals, connect you with resources, review your resume, and give advice. Want to schedule a meeting? Questions? Email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org.

Reminder: All Career Services information can be found on the student portal. The Calendar page includes all information about upcoming workshops and events and the Jobs page holds resources for training programs and job search.

Carpenters Apprenticeship Program

Pittsburgh Carpenters Training Center is holding an Open House and Carpentry Skills Expo.

📍Saturday, May 4
8:00am – 3:30pm
652 Ridge Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

📍Information sessions will be held at 9:00am & 12:00pm

Anyone interested in the Carpenters Apprenticeship Program is welcome. Benefits include free tuition, 42 college credits, continued training, and more. For more information contact jac@kmlctf.org or call (412) 262-1830.

Student Spark Award Recognition

We are excited to recognize the following students for our Student Spark Award! Students are nominated by their teacher or tutor and this list represents nominations received from January through March 31, 2024.
Congratulations to all!

Ali – Being accepted to a PhD program (nominated by Carey Harris)
Austin - Passing a GED test (nominated by Maura Brand)
Carolina - Recognition for her original artwork (nominated by Amanda Kmetz)
Felicia - Demonstrating resilience (nominated by Heidi Stark)
Fernando - Getting a new job and being promoted, mastering a difficult lesson (nominated by Susan Lucheta)
Jiao-Jiao - Publication of an academic article, passing TOEFL with a 101 score, and showing great improvement on her speaking test (nominated by Bill Campbell)
Lorena - Getting a new job (nominated by Keith Couser)
Nora - Becoming a U.S. citizen (nominated by Shirley Robinson)
Nosipho - Becoming a U.S. citizen (nominated by Tina Burns)
Olena - Writing, producing, and acting in her own original play (nominated by Amanda Kmetz)
Rukiye – Being accepted to a PhD program (nominated by Amanda Kmetz)
Spozhmai - Starting college (nominated by Amanda Kmetz)
Tania - Mastering a difficult lesson (nominated by Susan Lucheta)

Join Our Team

Literacy Pittsburgh is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees feel a sense of belonging, valued, supported, and encouraged through open communication channels and mutual respect among team members. We welcome all qualified applicants. Click here to check for our most recent open positions.

School Secretary Position at Arsenal

Arsenal PreK-5 is in need of a full-time Secretary.
Direct link to job posting: Pittsburgh Arsenal PreK-5 - School Secretary I (powerschool.com)

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

In class, teacher Terra recently asked students to reflect on the lessons from the past 12 weeks. Nataliia, one of her students was able to share highly effective feedback and suggestions because she's taken pages of detailed notes on every lesson. Her attention and focus have not just helped her grow her English skills, but also helped her classmates remember details from past lessons to discuss.
Thank you for your focus and attention! You are working so hard both in and outside of class. We see and appreciate this!

A mom of three, Brittney’s children inspired her to pursue her GED credential. “I wanted something to show them that even after life’s challenges there is still hope that you can succeed in whatever you put your mind to!” she explains.

Brittney recently achieved some exciting successes in her journey toward a diploma. Since fall 2023, she passed the GED social studies and reading tests. She is currently working on math and plans to take that test in June. Her teacher Terra Teets says that Brittney has been making amazing progress. “Despite being a committed mom of three, she attends class regularly, and has put in many hours of work outside of class on Khan Academy and Essential Ed lessons.”

Brittney wants to go back to school once she gets her GED credential but is still deciding on what she wants to study. For now, she is just focused on her studies at Literacy Pittsburgh. “I'm super excited,” Brittney says. “I love literacy Pittsburgh! My confidence has been boosted since coming here and I'm so thankful for your support through my education journey!” 

Nosipho a wonderful, dedicated student wanted to become a good citizen. She worked full time while preparing for her Naturalization test! "The citizenship classes offered by Literacy Pittsburgh helped me prepare for the naturalization process in a way I could not have done on my own. Our classes focused on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the civics exam questions, U.S. history and government, and the naturalization interview. Marta, our enrolment coordinator was very kind and helpful in getting us enrolled in the class. Teacher Tina who showed up for us every week, never cancelling a class, kept us engaged, and helped us understand the importance of not only being a good citizen, but also actively practicing our citizenship. I am forever grateful to Literacy Pittsburgh for helping me on my journey to become a proud and educated citizen of the USA." Congratulations on your becoming a U.S. citizen!

Of course I had to wear my blue, red, and white dress on such an important day of my life, Nosipho said.

Rukiye Nur Seker was accepted to a PhD program at West Virginia University in Biomedical Science. She will specialize in Pharmaceutical Science. Her program begins this August. Rukiye was a pharmacist in Turkey, and it has been a goal of hers to get her PhD. Rukiye had a goal to improve her communication, take the TOEFL exam, and continue her education. She plans on continuing classes at Literacy Pittsburgh until her program begins this August. We wish you all the best!

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

"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."
— Chinese Proverb

"Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it."
— Albert Einstein