Literacy Pittsburgh Student Newsletter
Student Portal and Student Survey
Thank you to all of the students who had answered our student survey about our student portal. We learned that many of you still have not had a chance to visit our student portal and see the information available there.
Please take a few minutes to watch this video.
Make sure to look at the calendar page to see free computer classes, workshops, student services events, and workforce program events on our website. These are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh students!
Digital Skills Classes
Free basic digital skills classes are being offered at the CCAC Homewood-Brushton Center through a collaboration between CCAC and Literacy Pittsburgh.
Computer Basics
📍Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
January 16, 18, 23, 25, & 30, February 1
Internet Basics
📍Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
January 16, 18, 23, 25, & 30, February 1
Introduction to Microsoft Word
📍Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
January 17, 24, & 31, February 7,14 & 21
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
📍Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
February 28, March 6,13, 20, & 27, April 3
For more information, email CCAC-HBC@ccac.edu or call (412) 371-1600.
Current class calendars are on our website, and students can sign up for a workshop directly from the site.
Service Coordination Updates
Service Coordination Office Hours
📍Monday, February 5 & Tuesday, February 6 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps) OR Online on Zoom
Need a library card? In February, Literacy Pittsburgh service coordinators will be available both in-person and online to help students sign up for library cards. If you would like to attend online, please sign up here. The Zoom link will be emailed to you on the morning of the event.
English Listening: What to Do in February in Pittsburgh
📍Friday, January 26, February 9 & 23 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom
This is a new event for waiting ELL students who want to practice listening to English more. Students can hear LP service coordinators talk about Pittsburgh and different events happening in the area during the month of February. If you are a waiting student and would like to attend, please sign up here. The Zoom link will be emailed to you on the morning of the event.
Student & Career Services Updates
Upcoming Workshops and Events
Career Partner Spotlight: PA CareerLink
Searching for a job? PA CareerLink can help! PA CareerLink offers resources to assist in finding employment, developing professional skills, and much more. Launched in 2012, PA CareerLink works to provide career services specifically in Pennsylvania – meaning they serve residents of Pennsylvania find jobs in Pennsylvania. Interested in learning more? Contact Career Services at cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org or oadkins@literacypittsburgh.org!
Career Services Office
Hours
📍Mondays from 11:00 am – 1:00 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
📍Wednesdays from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Online on Zoom
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, February 7: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys)
Wednesday, February 14: Resume Basics
Wednesday, February 21: What is Career Services?
Classes are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh students, but waiting students will be prioritized. Interested? Register here.
Interview Skills Workshop (+ Practice Interview Opportunity!)
📍February 9 and 16, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom
Want to improve your interview skills? Join Maggie Lizzi from JFCS as she presents virtually all you need to know to ace the interview! Show off your new skills the following week in a mock interview. Register here.
Intro to CareerLink Workshop
📍Thursday, February 22, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (see on Google Maps)
Searching for a job? Need a Resume? PA CareerLink can help! PA CareerLink offers resources to assist in finding employment, developing professional skills, and much more. Join Literacy Pittsburgh and Megan Grabowski of PA CareerLink for a hands-on workshop creating your PACL account, making your resume on the site, and learning how CareerLink can help you get your next job. Interested? Register here.
Moving to the Next Job Workshop
📍 Friday, February 2, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom
Unsure of what to expect when starting a new job? Prepare yourself and learn the details involved in your job transition in the workshop offered by Maggi Lizzie from JFCS. This is a one-time event and registration is required. Register here.
English for Housekeeping
Are you looking for work? Do you want to make money as a cleaner? Do you want to work in hospitals or hotels?
We have a new English class starting soon. This class will help you with English to find a job in housekeeping.
This class will include:
- English for housekeeping jobs
- Resumé and interview help
- Computer skills for finding work
- Bosses will talk to the class
- Possible job interviews
You need a U.S. work authorization for this class.
Do you want to join this class? The deadline is January 30, but there will be more classes like this in the future. To join, email Vince at vdestefano@literacypittsburgh.org or text (412) 350-9920.
Free Tax Preparation
Tax season runs from January 23 to April 15 of each year. You may qualify for free tax preparation assistance if your family’s income was less than $65,000 in 2023.
How to get free tax help
Please select from the following options for filing your 2023 taxes:
- Have your taxes prepared virtually
- Is this option right for you? Learn more
- Get started at www.GetYourRefund.org/JustHarvest
- Schedule an in-person appointment
- To schedule an appointment, you can contact the United Way Resource Navigators in 3 different ways:
- Dial 2-1-1 or 888-856-2773
- Text your zip code to 898-211
- Use United Way’s online scheduler to make an appointment
- To schedule an appointment, you can contact the United Way Resource Navigators in 3 different ways:
- Contact AARP at AARP Tax-Aide Allegheny County, PA
- File on your own at https://myfreetaxes.com
- No income limits
- Interpretation services available
I Am Ukraine Public Events
The I Am Ukraine project is featuring digital stories (short videos) created by Ukrainian refugees and Pittsburghers of Ukrainian descent along with a celebration of Ukrainian culture through song, dance, and food tasting.
There will be 3 free events that can be accessed through this Eventbrite link.
All In Allegheny Community Survey
New Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato has launched a community survey. The purpose is to understand what people from each community want from county government. The survey has been translated into the nine languages most commonly spoken in the county and is available here: Community Survey — Allegheny for All. We encourage you to take this survey so your ideas, priorities, and needs can be part of the county's plans.
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 November through December 31, 2023. Congratulations to all!
- Daniel - Receiving a GED credential and studying for the ASVAB (nominated by Susan)
- Diler - Getting a new job (nominated by Heather)
- Drake - Receiving a GED credential (nominated by Susan)
- Gabriela - Jumped two textbook levels in one year (nominated by Claudia)
- Jonnika - Persistence through a very difficult math class (nominated by Emily)
- Lyudmila - Tackling English (nominated by Martha)
- Mabel - Acceptance to graduate school (nominated by Amanda)
- Nelson - Starting a new job (nominated by Amanda)
- Patricia - Starting a new job, being recognized at work, and getting a passing score on the GED Ready Social Studies test (nominated by Susan)
- Samuel - Receiving a GED credential and starting college or job training (nominated by Susan)
- Sheila - Earning 14 digital skills certificates (nominated by Adrianna)
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 communications channels and mutual respect among team members. We welcome all qualified applicants. Click here to check for most recent opening position.
Student Success Stories
Congratulations to the following students!
After a year and half of hard work citizenship study and preparation, Nora passed her citizenship interview and test on December 21, 2023. Nora's teacher Shirley said, “I am very proud of you for becoming a U.S. citizen, as are all of the staff here at Literacy Pittsburgh.”
Nora came to Literacy Pittsburgh in 2013 to learn English. Fast forward a few years later, she learned about the citizenship classes through her friend. Nora's goal is to continue learning English at Literacy Pittsburgh.
Eventually, Nora would like to be able to volunteer in organizations to help children. Furthermore, she would like to write a book both in English and Spanish.
After leaving Afghanistan, Ibrahim and his family started a new life here in Pittsburgh. Ibrahim recalls “We looked for a place to continue learning English and other skills and we found Literacy Pittsburgh. Now we divide our time between working, and education – both are important. Literacy Pittsburgh has been such a help with education for my kids.”
It has been both busy and exciting in the Beaver County classroom. Dan graduated on November 16, 2023. He is now continuing to study so that he can get a high score on the ASVAB exam. Congratulations, Dan! We wish you all the best as you pursue a career in the military!
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
"Anything is possible. Anything can be."
— Shel Silverstein
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."
— Gail Devers
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
— Theodore Roosevelt
