Literacy Pittsburgh Student Newsletter
One Big Table is Less Than Two Weeks Away! Join the Celebration on April 3 at NOVA Place!
Join us on Thursday, April 3 at Nova Place for an unforgettable night of food, culture, and community. Enjoy delicious international food and live entertainment with friends and family.
Special Student Discount! Students can purchase tickets for just $50 (plus service fees) by using the promo code STUDENT75. Get your tickets today—select General Admission Tickets at checkout.
WIN BIG! Win up to $5,000 with our all-new cash raffle with prizes of $500, $1,000, and $5,000! Only 1,000 tickets will be sold! You don’t need to be present to win. Get your raffle ticket here for just $20 before they’re gone: Don’t miss out! We look forward to seeing you there.
Thinking About College
📍Mondays and Wednesdays, April 7 - May 7
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center
- Start researching and thinking about what college to attend
- Guest presentations from CCAC, Carlow University, and Point Park University
- The course will end with a College Fair
- Interested? Complete this Google form.
- For more information, email mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org.
April Digital Skills Calendar
April showers bring May flowers, and computer skills classes for springtime!
Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink® Downtown, PA CareerLink® Allegheny East, CCAC Homewood-Brushton, Penn Hills Library, Andrew Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie, and EARN Wilkinsburg. We’re also hosting Digital Skills Orientations, Intro to Zoom, and Google Career Certificate Info Sessions to help new students get started with classes.
Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown:
- Internet Basics (7 sessions)
- Digital Skills Orientation
- Intro to Zoom
- Open Lab / Typing Club
EARN Wilkinsburg:
- Open Lab / Typing Club
New Location: Penn Hills Library
- Tech Hour
Andrew Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie:
- ESL Computer Basics
Virtual Classes:
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel (4 sessions)
- New! Google Career Certificate Info Session
- Google Docs (6 sessions)
PA CareerLink® Downtown:
- Job-Search Series (4 sessions)
- Open Lab / Typing Club
CCAC Homewood-Brushton:
- Computer Basics (6 sessions)
- Intro to Microsoft Word (6 sessions)
PA CareerLink® Allegheny East:
- Computer Basics (5 sessions)
Please note the new Open Lab listing.
Open Lab Schedule (except as noted on calendar):
- Mondays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; EARN Wilkinsburg)
- Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
- Wednesdays: 9:00 am – 12:00 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. The March calendar will be updated soon.
Happy April!
Service Coordination Events
Service Coordination Office Hours
📍Monday, April 7 & Tuesday, April 8, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center OR Online on Zoom
Are you a student with children who need something to do this summer? We will be helping students register their children for summer camp at the Downtown Center, and virtually. 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 April in Pittsburgh
📍Friday, March 28, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
This is an event for ELL students on the waitlist or students who want to practice listening to English. Join the LP service coordinators on Zoom on to talk about Pittsburgh and different events happening in the area for the month of April. 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 and Career Services Classes and Workshops
Upcoming Workshops and Events
Reminder – PA CareerLink at Downtown Center
📍Thursday, March 27
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center or Online on Zoom
Do you need help with your PA CareerLink account? Looking to get more perspectives on a job search or resume question? Megan Grabowski, career advisor at PA CareerLink, works from Literacy Pittsburgh on the final Thursday of every month, and takes appointments! For questions and appointments, email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.
American Job Skills Foundations (Certificate Workshop Series)
📍 Fourth Friday of every month, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Online on Zoom
New! Workshop Series from JFCS Career Development Center. This is a three-part series that will give you the right foundation to start your job search in the American Workplace. Join only one, or attend all of them to earn a Literacy Pittsburgh Certificate for the course. This month's offering:
📍March 28: Moving to Your Next Job: Prepare for a new job and learn the details involved transitioning from one job to the next.
Interested? Register Here! Questions? Email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org.
NEW! Career Services Drop-in Hours
📍See Calendar for Availability
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center or Online on Zoom
Do you need to meet with an advisor sooner than the waitlist for an appointment allows? Drop-In Hours is where career advisors can assist you with job search needs, college applications, or even career exploration—all without need for an appointment! Drop-In Hours are first-come, first-serve opportunities, and a great way to get help fast. Ask your teacher or program coordinator to see the Drop-In Hours Calendar for the monthly schedule, or email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org with any
questions.
Urgent Job Seekers Crash Course Classes
📍Tuesdays at 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Online on Zoom
Career Services AmeriCorps member Israel Centeno has been putting his expertise to the test in developing a new workshop series designed to help students find their job survival skills. The series will consist of 4 weekly workshops.
- Tuesday, April 1 at 10:00 am: Job Search Basics: Learn how to search and apply for jobs and use local and national job boards for the fastest application submission rate.
- Tuesday, April 8 at 10:00 am: Job Search Toolbox – Part 1 (Resume and Cover Letter Basics): Learn when you need them and where you can get help.
- Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 am: Job Search Toolbox – Part 2 (Interview and Network Advice & Surviving your Job Search)
Learn about stress management, mindfulness, and setting realistic expectations. - Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00 am: Job Search Mindset: Learn about agency resources to help students manage the stress of un-, under-, or unsatisfying employment.
Interested? Register here. Questions? Email icenteno@literacypittsburgh.org.
Career Workshops for Waiting 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, April 2, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys)
- Wednesday, April 9, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Resume Basics
- Wednesday, April 16, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: What is Career Services?
Classes are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh students, but we will prioritize waiting students. Interested? Register here.
Upwardly Global Information Session
Information Session – What is Upwardly Global?
📍 Monday, April 7, 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. Questions? Email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.
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 with this weekly practice space. Questions? Email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.
Job Search Foundations (Certificate Workshop Series)
📍 Final Friday of the Month, April – June, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Online on Zoom
New! Workshop Series from JFCS Career Development Center. This is a three-part series that will give you the right foundation to start your job search in the American Workplace. Attend them all to earn a Literacy Pittsburgh Certificate for the course, or select one just for the knowledge.
- April 25: Resume Workshop: Learn about the foundational document for job searching. Explore resume templates, learn what makes a successful resume and how to create one, and adjust your resume to navigate applicant tracking systems.
- May 30: Interview Workshop: Learn to pass the interview! Join JFCS staff to review your interview skills and practice for interviews with employers.
- June 27: Safe Online Job Search: Join JFCS staff in exploring how to spot scams and apply online safely.
- Interested? Register Here Questions? Email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.
College Fair at Literacy Pittsburgh
📍 Wednesday, May 7, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center
Thinking of going to college? Literacy Pittsburgh has some new opportunities to help students learn about colleges and universities in Pittsburgh. Join College Pathways and Career Services staff at the Downtown Center to meet with representatives of Point Park, Carlow, CCAC, and more! No registration required. Email Dru Pelter dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org with any questions.
Career Class: New
Choices
In collaboration with Pennsylvania Women Work
📍 May 7, 12, 14, 19, and 21, 6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Online on Zoom
Get ready to get a job with this class from PA Women Work! Learn how to:
- Create a new resume
- Polish your interviewing skills
- Use effective communication tactics
- Navigate the job application process
- Build your confidence
The class is open to any Literacy Pittsburgh student, regardless of gender.
The deadline to register for this class is Friday, April 25.
To register: Call (412) 478-9861 or email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.
Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Spring Job Fair
📍April 4th, 11:00am — 2:00pm
Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, this event is for you. Explore new opportunities and network with employers across various industries, along with community resource organizations providing information about available services. There will also be free headshots available plus Dress for Success Pittsburgh will be providing mobile clothing services on site.
This event is free and open to the public. Register today and take the next step in your career!
Free Tax Return Preparation
Tax season runs from January 22 to April 18. You may qualify for free tax preparation assistance if your family’s income was less than $60,000 in 2024.
How to get free tax help
Please select from the following options for filing your 2024 taxes:
- Just Harvest’s tax preparation sites are open from January 22 – April 15
-To schedule an appointment, visit pa211.org/VITA
-¿Necesitas ayuda en español? ¡Haga click aquí! - United Way provides MyFreeTaxes in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help filers prepare their tax returns on their own or have their return prepared for them for free, call
866-698-9435 or visit https://myfreetaxes.com/
North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO): individuals can make an appointment at NHCO North Borough, NHCO Millvale Tax sites, or any of their tax clinics. Appointments are required and must be made through 2-1-1.
Free Hilltop English Club
📍 Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Mount Washington Library
Interested? WhatsApp 484-889-7956 or email shawn@pghhilltopalliance.org.
Happy Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by practicing Muslims as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer.
Wishing all our students observing this holy month an easy fast. May your days and nights be blessed and bright.
Student Success Stories
Congratulations to the following students!
Soufiane, one of Teacher Tina’s students, recently passed his citizenship test and is now a United States citizen! Teacher Tina shared, “Soufiane is the best—he truly cares about his fellow classmates.”
Farida, an ELL student meeting with a tutor in the South Hills area, has shown remarkable progress. Joanne her tutor shared, “Farida’s test results reflect a significant improvement in speaking skills. Her excellent attendance and diligent efforts make her a standout student. Keep up the great work, Farida!”
Dianna attended the Customer Service for Healthcare class with Teacher Tina and recently passed her U.S. citizenship test! Dianna shared her excitement in an email: “After almost four years in the U.S., I am proud to say that today I am a Colombian American citizen. When I arrived, I felt out of place, but now I am grateful for the opportunities this country has given me. Colombia will always be my homeland, but now I have two homes. Thank you to my husband, family, and Literacy Pittsburgh for guiding me through this process.”
Angeli has been working diligently to improve her English while collaborating with Career Services. With their support, she recently aced an interview and will begin training as a nurse’s aide next month. Her teacher, Lauren, shared, “I am very proud of you, Angeli! You are a great example of how hard work, a positive attitude, and determination can lead to success. I know you will be wonderful with patients!”
Amparo passed her U.S. Citizenship test on January 28, 2025! Her husband works in Pittsburgh, and she has worked hard to learn the language and culture.
Teacher Tina shared, “Amparo was a wonderful listener in class and put in great effort to master the material. I am so proud to call her a U.S. citizen!”
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 expert at anything was once a beginner."
– Helen Hayes
"No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again."
– Buddha
