Literacy Pittsburgh Student Newsletter
Student Spark Award Recognition
We are excited to recognize the following students for our inaugural Student Spark Award! Students are nominated by their teacher or tutor, and this list represents nominations received from June to September. Congratulations to all!
- Viji Doureradjou - Starting a new job and being recognized at work (Nominated by Nancy Cohen)
- Jony Ibrahim – Becoming a U.S. citizen (Nominated by Tina Burns)
- Elveirick Mohameden - Mastering a difficult lesson and being a great help in Citizenship Class (Nominated by Terra Teets)
- Ruba Nashbat - Starting college or job training (Nominated by Richard Goldman)
- Ludmila Shtukan - Sticking with her lessons (Nominated by Martha Daniels)
- Florence Zakli - Mastering a difficult lesson and being a great help in Citizenship Class (Nominated by Terra Teets)
November Digital Skills Calendar
We celebrate gratitude this November and our wonderful students!
We continue with more exciting autumn offerings this month.
Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, CCAC Homewood-Brushton Center, PA CareerLink® Downtown, Human Services Center Mon Valley, and Wilkinsburg EARN.
Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown:
- Internet Basics (8 sessions)
- Intro to Microsoft Word (6 sessions)
- Open Lab
- Typing Club
CCAC Homewood-Brushton Center:
- Computer Basics (6 sessions)
PA CareerLink® Downtown:
- Open Lab / Typing Club
- Zoom for Beginners
- Zoom for Telehealth
- Preparing for a Virtual Job Interview
Virtual Classes:
Job Search Series: Attend individually or all four to earn a certificate of completion
- Job Search with Indeed
- Completing Online Job Applications
- Resume Revamp
- Preparing for a Virtual Job Interview
Human Services Center Mon Valley:
- Intro to Microsoft Excel (6 sessions)
EARN Wilkinsburg:
- Open Lab
Updated Open Lab Schedule (except as noted on calendar):
- Mondays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; Wilkinsburg EARN)
- Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
- Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (PA CareerLink® Downtown)
- Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
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.
Service Coordination Events
Resource Fair
📍Wednesday, October 30, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center
Literacy Pittsburgh will be hosting a resource fair at our Downtown Center. Various vendors will be presenting resources to our students. Please join us to learn more.
Service Coordination Office Hours
📍Monday, November 11 & Tuesday, November 12, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center OR Online on Zoom
Do you need help finding a coat drive in your area? We will help students find local coat drives near them. 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. The Zoom link will be emailed to you on the morning of the event.
Play It Forward Registration Help
📍Monday, November 18, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center
Do you need help getting toys for your kids for the holidays? We will help students register for the Play It Forward toy distribution event at the Convention Center on December 13 and 14. If you are unable to attend this session and need help, please reach out to lcrumley@literacypittsburgh.org. If you do not need help registering, the registration form can be found at playitforwardpittsburgh.com.
English Listening: What to Do in December in Pittsburgh
📍Friday, November 22, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom
Are you 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 December. 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.
Student & Career Services Updates
Upcoming Workshops and Events
Resume Office Hours
📍Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center
Not sure what to put on your resume? Need help with formatting and organizing? Join Career Services for Resume Office Hours to receive feedback and get help with all your resume questions. Sessions will occur on a walk-in basis – no need to schedule in advance. Questions or concerns? Email Anna at agartland@literacypittsburgh.org
Open Lab
📍Every Tuesday, 12:00 – 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 with this weekly practice space. Questions? Email Dru at dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.
Upwardly Global Information Session / Open Lab
📍Monday, November 4, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online on Zoom
Upwardly Global is an online education tool that can help you learn about different careers and how to prepare for them. Join Career Services on Zoom to learn more about the resource and sign up for an account. Interested? Register here.
*Note: This resource is recommended for intermediate or advanced non-native English speakers. Please contact Dru at dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org with any questions.
Last Chance to Join! - Career Class: New Choices
In collaboration with Pennsylvania Women Work
📍Monday and Wednesday afternoons: November 4 – 18, 2:00 – 4:45 pm
Online on Zoom
Get ready to get a job with this class from PA Women Work!
- Create a new resume
- Polish your interviewing skills
- Learn more effective communication tactics
- Gain a strong understanding of the job application process
- Build your confidence
The class is open to any Literacy Pittsburgh student, regardless of gender.
To register: Call 412-909-6499 or email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org
Career Workshops for Waitlist Students
📍Wednesdays at 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 workshops are:
- Wednesday, November 6, 1:00 – 2:30pm: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys)
- Wednesday, November 13, 1:00 – 2:30pm: Resume Basics
- Wednesday, November 20, 1:00 – 2:30pm: What is Career Services?
Classes are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh Students but will prioritize waitlist students. Interested? Register here.
American Workforce Culture
📍Thursday, November 14, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Online on Zoom
Learn more about the American work culture, social norms, and how to navigate the nuances of working in the US job market. 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.
Save the date! – Job Fair
📍Thursday, November 21, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center
Literacy Pittsburgh’s next Career Day is set! Join us for a job fair in November and keep an eye on the next newsletter for updates on specific times and participating organizations!
Community Night performance of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
Quantum Theatre is so excited to offer Literacy Pittsburgh's staff and students tickets to the Community Night performance of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.
📍Thursday, October 31, 8:00 pm
Use code CALIGARI1031 to reserve your seat at this link.
Save the Date: One Big Table
April 3, 2025
Mark your calendars for Literacy Pittsburgh’s annual celebration, One Big Table! Join us in an unforgettable evening where food, culture, and community come together.
Visit our website for updates on participating restaurants and exciting entertainment. We’re thrilled to hint at some of the spectacular live performances we have in store. Get ready for the vibrant energy of Bollywood and the powerful sounds of pipes and drums that will leave you amazed! Special student ticket price coming soon!
Do you know of a restaurant that would like to participate? Visit our restaurant page to get more information!
Stay tuned for more updates—we can’t wait to see you there!
November Events
CRAFTED: Home for the Holidays
📍Friday, November 22
5:30 pm- 8:00 pm
Contemporary Craft
5645 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Pittsburgh Celebrates Light Up Night 2024
📍Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
Highmark Light Up night is returning as a part of a larger 63rd Anniversary celebration. Annual festivities combine long-standing traditions and new holiday experiences with a fireworks finale - an evening you won't want to miss!
Peoples Gas
Holiday Market™
📍Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh
OPEN DAILY
NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 24
Monday – Thursday:
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday and Saturday:
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday:11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Christmas Eve:
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving
Student Success Stories
Congratulations to the following students!
We got an exciting update from student Concetta! Congrats!
"I'm so happy to share that my tutor has helped me become more independent in so many ways! Before, I was scared to take the bus because I couldn't remember the street name where I wanted to get off. Now, thanks to her guidance, I feel confident doing these things on my own. most importantly, my tutor has encouraged me to ever give up, and I'm so grateful for her support."
Jesus Teran became a Literacy Pittsburgh student in June 2022 when he moved to the area from Venezuela. He came to Literacy Pittsburgh with the goal of improving his English, entering training, and getting a career to support his family. He worked with tutor Barb Hopkins for 18 months and went from a high beginning to an advanced level of English. Barb said Jesus was determined to learn English regardless of the sacrifice of time away from his job. His one goal was to better himself for the sake of his family. At the beginning of 2024, Jesus was successful in joining the carpenter’s union and is loving his new career!
Recently, Literacy Pittsburgh instructor Tina attended the 1st Anniversary Celebration for PITWork at the National Aviary. PIT2Work has an important goal: Together we are changing lives and building a better Pittsburgh, by Pittsburgh, for Pittsburgh
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
“Education is a continual process, it’s like a bicycle…. If you don’t pedal, you don’t go forward."
— George Weah
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
— Gary Player
