Getting Ready for College (Bridge to College 2)

Topics of learning include time management, organizational skills, study strategies, writing practice, presentation skills, understanding college classroom expectations and norms, and managing stress while in college. Students will have the opportunity to learn new skills and brush up their existing knowledge during each class session. Students will also be able to meet one-on-one with Literacy Pittsburgh mentors/advisors at the end of the course to discuss their individual needs and goals. By the end of the class, students will be more prepared to succeed in the college environment. For more information, email Miguel Diaz at mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org or call/text 412-801-1675.

October Digital Skills Calendar

 October brings crisp autumn weather and more digital learning!  The calendar lists classes by location.

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 Digital Skills Orientation, Intro to Zoom, and Google Career Certificate Info Sessions to help new students get started with classes.

Please note the updated Open Lab listing!  

Open Lab Schedule (except as noted below):

• Mondays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
• Mondays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PA CareerLink® Downtown; Oct. 6 and 13 only)
• Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
• Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; no Open Lab on Oct. 2) 

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. 

There will be no computer skills classes or Open Labs the week of Sept. 29 - Oct. 3. That is our planning week for the Digital Skills team.

Happy October!

Service Coordination Events

English Practice - New Date & Time
📍Last Friday of every month at 1:00 pm, starting on September 26
While created for waiting students, any students who want to practice their English speaking and listening skills can attend our monthly English Practice session. We are moving the event from the last Thursday to the last Friday of each month at 1:00 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Manique (mbraziel@literacypittsburgh.org) or Ezekieli (eseti@literacypittsburgh.org) for more information.

October Office Hours  
📍October 6 and 7, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center   
Please join the student services team in the front lobby of the DTC for assistance with voter registration and holiday assistance registration (winter clothing, holiday meal assistance, toys drop offs, etc.) Additionally, if you are enrolled in SNAP, we can help you complete your Allegheny Go application to reduce bus fare costs by 50%! If you have any questions, please contact Ezekieli (eseti@literacypittsburgh.org) or Manique (mbraziel@literacypittsburgh.org) for more information! 

Career Services Classes and Workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Events 

Career Services is proud to announce we are bringing on two new volunteers to help us provide excellent service to the students we serve.

Anne Fleming is taking over the Waitlist Workshop, where she will be giving tips and tricks to spice up resumes and stay sharp on LinkedIn. Anne brings extensive experience from multiple start-up companies and has expertise in crafting compelling resumes to help students achieve professional growth.

Holly Caiazza will be helping with Career Service Virtual Drop-In Hours. Holly has worked as a recruiter and career consultant in the past. She will be an amazing addition to our Drop-In coverage.

Behavioral Interviewing Techniques in Action
📍Tuesday, September 30, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Online on Zoom 
Join us in learning about behavioral interviewing and why many employers utilize this method. Additionally, we will present clear and concise techniques for preparing for behavioral interviews, along with an opportunity to practice in a fun and relaxed environment. We hope to see you and look forward to an interactive and enjoyable presentation. Presented by Pam Day, JFCS Career Services (pday@jfcspgh.org).

Register for this workshop here. Registration closes at 5:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE this workshop. Registrations after the deadline will not be accepted. To cancel a registration, please contact Gretchen Young at gyoung@jfcspgh.org at least 24 hours in advance. YOU WILL BE EMAILED A ZOOM LINK UPON REGISTRATION – PLEASE REMEMBER TO SAVE IT IN YOUR CALENDAR. 

Waitlist Workshop: Resume Makeover and LinkedIn Takeover
📍Wednesday, October 1, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm 
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 to ease you into learning with us. Interested? Register here

• Wednesday, October 1, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Resume Makeover
• Wednesday, October 22, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: LinkedIn Takeover

New Century Careers Information Session
📍Thursday, October 16, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online on Zoom 
The New Century Careers (NCC) Information Session is designed to help students who are interested in a career in manufacturing. This session will discuss NCC's tuition-free training, which offers entry-level machinist training to qualified applicants at no charge.

Please note: all content will be in English. Direct any questions to Noelle Dreizin at ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org. Interested? Register here.  Registration will remain open until Wednesday October 1. 

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 to Noelle Dreizin at mailto:ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org.

Career Service Drop-In Hours
📍Times and dates 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; however, 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.

Fall Job Fair
📍Friday. October 10, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Main (Oakland) - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 
Job Fair participants will have the opportunity to speak with more than 20 hiring representatives from higher education, banking, health care and other employers, along with community resource organizations to provide information about opportunities and available services. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome! Register here.

CareerLink Representative @ DTC 
📍Thursday, October 23  
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center  

PA CareerLink is an organization dedicated to helping Pennsylvanians get jobs and build job skills. The PA CareerLink^® representative can meet with students 1:1, answer questions, present workshops, and more. To schedule a 1:1 session with the CareerLink^® Advisor, email Noelle Dreizin at mailto:ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org. Learn more about PA CareerLink^® at www.pacareerlink.pa.gov

Help Other Students Start Their Journey

As part of the Literacy Pittsburgh family, you know how learning can change lives. Your journey with us is part of a bigger story—one shared by many others who want the same chance to learn and grow.

Right now, hundreds of people are on our waiting list. They are just like you, ready to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Literacy Pittsburgh’s programs teach English, digital skills, and workplace skills to help students succeed. You can help more people start their learning journey by making a gift. Every donation helps open the door for someone else.

Please take a moment to make a donation today by visiting www.literacypittsburgh.org/donate and spread the word to your friends and family! You can ensure that individuals in our community have access to the education they deserve, just like you.

Thank you for being a part of the Literacy Pittsburgh community. 

Mission of Mercy Dental, Hearing and Vision Clinic 

October Community Events

Pittsburgh Glass Center RAD Day + Hot Jam

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

Farida shares her journey to the U.S. and talks about how Literacy Pittsburgh helps her and others:

"Literacy is a powerful tool for success," says Farida. "The Literacy Pittsburgh program is helping me improve my English skills. Whether you are new to the city or want to build confidence in reading, writing, or speaking, learning English can open doors to better jobs, education, and daily life. By studying English, you can connect more easily with your community and reach your goals. Don’t wait! Pittsburgh is full of opportunities to grow through literacy!" 

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

“Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.” 
— Thomas Edison

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”
— Unknown