April Digital Skills Calendar

Spring is abloom with new computer skills classes! 

Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink^® Downtown, and PA CareerLink^® Allegheny East. We’re also hosting Google Career Certificate Information Sessions to help students get started with 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's Downtown Center) 
• Mondays and Wednesdays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PA CareerLink^® Downtown; no Open Lab on April 20)
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center)

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.

Happy Spring!

Service Coordination Events

Service Coordination Office Hours: LIHEAP Application                      

📍Monday, April 6 & Tuesday, April 7, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

Student Services will be assisting students in completing their LIHEAP applications before the window closes on April 10, 2026. We will prioritize those making appointments*, however, students can receive assistance the same day if they have the following documents: 

• Electric and/or gas bill
• Social security numbers for all members of their household
• Proof of income (paystubs, award letter, SSI award letter, 1099, bank statements, local tax record, etc.)

 *Appointments take up to 30 minutes to complete. 

 If you have any questions or concerns, please email Manique Braziel  (mbraziel@literacypittsburgh.org) or Ezekieli Seti (eseti@literacypittsburgh.org) for additional information. 

Career Services Classes and Workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Events 

University of Pittsburgh Resume Workshop

📍Wednesday, April 1
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

This workshop will give job seekers an inside look at best practices for resumes when applying for University of Pittsburgh positions. The workshop will be led by the Talent Acquisition Specialist at University of Pittsburgh. Interested? Register here.                             

Waitlist Workshop: Resume Makeover and Cover Letter Takeover
📍Wednesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 22
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm 
Online on Zoom

This is a series of 2 workshops available to all students–even before you start classes. These workshops are designed to get you started thinking about your goals and ease you into learning with us.

• Wednesday, April 1, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Resume Makeover
• Wednesday, April 22, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Cover Letter Takeover             

Interested in Resume Makeover? Register here.
Interested in Cover Letter Takeover? Register here.

Please contact Dru Pelter (dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org) with any questions.

Mock Interviews with Corporate Mentors

📍Wednesday, April 29
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

Practice interviewing with professionals who have real hiring and workplace experience. You’ll get feedback on your answers and build confidence in a low-pressure environment. Mock interviews can help you feel more prepared and comfortable for real job interviews. Please contact Kate Humphries (khumpries@literacypittsburgh.org) with any questions.

Upwardly Global Open Lab
📍Every Tuesday
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center   

Literacy Pittsburgh career advisors and digital skills staff have collaborated to offer a space for interested students to study their Upwardly Global lessons. Use on-site computers and get assistance with any technical or instructional barriers during this weekly practice space. Questions? Email Dru Pelter at dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.

Upwardly Global Industry Workshop
📍The fourth Tuesday of every month, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center  

Hoping to learn about different industries across the United States workforce?  Upwardly Global has a vast library of job courses that will improve your knowledge of different industries and your skills as a job seeker. Interested? Come to Classroom 7! There will be a sign-in sheet for you to sign before the workshop starts.

CareerLink Representative
📍Last Thursday of every month
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center  

PA CareerLink is an organization dedicated to helping Pennsylvanians get jobs and build job skills. Stop by our table in the lobby so a PA CareerLink representative can meet with you, answer questions, present workshops, and more. To schedule a 1:1 session with the CareerLink Advisor, email Dru (dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org) or Noelle (ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org). More about PA CareerLink: https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/

Career Service Drop-In Hours
📍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. Please ask for the career advisor at the front desk when you arrive. 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

Some services may not be appropriate if more than one student is in attendance. Translation is only available through Google Translate, but we will do our best to assist in all cases. This service is not job placement. Students will apply for jobs with the guidance of advisors. Career advisors do not apply on behalf of students. If a student requires job placement services, contact information for staffing agencies can be provided.

AI 101: Your First Step to Generative AI

• Learn how to recognize common AI tools and uses in everyday life
• Evaluate AI's strengths and weaknesses
• Understand generative AI risks and how to use it safely

Lunch and Learn: Brayman Construction Corporation

Looking for a career without student loans? Brayman Construction has apprenticeships in heavy construction and highway construction. Learn more at this information session!

To sign up, register here.

College Writing Workshop

📍Tuesdays and Thursdays
April 7 –  May 14
12:00 pm –  2:00 pm

College Pathways will be running its College Writing Workshop as an in-person class in the Shadyside neighborhood! If you are interested in practicing and improving your writing skills for college or for your professional life, this class is for you. In class, you will practice writing, learn how to ethically cite sources, and improve clarity and confidence in your writing. 

Interested in this class? Sign up by emailing or texting Miguel Diaz (mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org or 412-801-1675). 

Global Wordsmiths is Hiring Contract Interpreters 

Help Your Fellow Students Spring Forward

Spring is a time for new beginnings. It reminds us of what’s possible when students help students.

At Literacy Pittsburgh, your gift—big or small—helps other students keep going. Many adult students are working toward a better future through education. But they also face challenges. Your support helps keep these opportunities open.

As a student, you know how important education is. It builds confidence. It opens new doors. It can change lives. When you give, you help more than a program—you support other students and encourage them to continue.

Together, we can help students improve their English, earn certificates, and take steps toward college, jobs, and more stable lives. We’ve also expanded support for families and created new opportunities for long-term success.

Spring brings growth, but it can also bring change and uncertainty. It’s a time to keep caring and helping.

Your gift sends a strong message: every student matters, and no one is alone.

Join us in lifting each other up. Give today.

Protect Yourself and Your Community

In times of uncertainty, preparation and community support matter more than ever. The information below is designed to help you and your loved ones stay informed, prepared, and connected. Whether you are directly affected or supporting someone who may be at risk, these tools and resources can help you respond with confidence and care. Please note that this information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Free Tax Return Preparation

The IRS tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026.

Check out this free financial literacy resource provided by Human Services Mon Valley to learn the basics about taxes: Taxes 101 Webinar Recording             

How to get free tax help:

• Just Harvest is open for tax help until April 15. To schedule your appointment, email taxhelp@justharvest.org or call (412) 431-8960.
  For more information, visit https://www.justharvest.org/freetaxprep.
• Human Services Center Mon Valley is open until April 8.
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at 413 Penn Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145
• United Way Free Tax Prep: To schedule an appointment, call 2-1-1 (1-888-553-5778 for landline callers) during weekdays between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm or schedule an appointment online anytime at http://www.unitedwayswpa.org/Free-Tax-Prep.

Please note: The IRS is phasing out paper checks for tax refunds. You must provide bank account information to receive your refund in a timely manner.  

April Community Events

Pittsburgh Opera - April Song Shop

📍Saturday, April 4
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Bitz Opera Factory
2425 Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Pittsburgh Opera’s free, informal Song Shop concerts feature the Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera.

Decade of Discovery at the Frick Environmental Center

📍Saturday, April 18
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Frick Environmental Center
2005 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Enjoy free, family-friendly, live music, up-close animal encounters, hands-on environmental education activities, and plenty of community fun for all.

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

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

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”
– Christian D. Larson

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
– Albert Schweitzer