Let Your Voice Be Heard About Literacy Pittsburgh’s Federal Funding  

The proposed federal budget for 2027-2028 calls for eliminating funding that Literacy Pittsburgh relies on to support its services. While this is concerning, it is not final! A similar proposal was made last year, and Congress rejected it after staff, students, donors, and volunteers spoke up about the life-changing impact Literacy Pittsburgh has on our community. You can show your support for Literacy Pittsburgh in two ways. The first is to follow the link below to contact your congressperson and let them know this is an important issue to you! You can also write a letter to your representatives as well. If you would like support from a Literacy Pittsburgh staff person to do this, please let us know, and we can help! 

Make your voice heard!

July Digital Skills Calendar

Celebrate independence this month by acquiring new computer skills!

Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink® Downtown, PA CareerLink® Allegheny East, EARN Duquesne, and CCAC Homewood-Brushton. We’re also hosting Digital Skills Orientation, Intro to Zoom, and a Google Career Certificate Info Session to help students get started with computer classes and 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)
• Mondays and Wednesdays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PA CareerLink^® Downtown; no Open Lab on July 1)
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; no Open Lab on July 2) 
• NEW! Wednesday, July 29: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (EARN Duquesne)

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 4th of July (Independence Day)!

Service Coordination Event

Service Coordination Office Hours

📍Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

Join the service coordination team for assistance with securing food. We will be making appointments to help students apply for SNAP, locate local food pantries, and more. There will also be some food available for students to take with them while supplies last! Please sign up here. 

English Listening: What to Do in August in Pittsburgh

📍Friday, July 24, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Come join the service coordination team as we practice our English skills while learning about the city of Pittsburgh and events occurring around the area. 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.

Service Coordination Resource Guide

Our Service Coordination Resource Guide can help you get access to resources more quickly than a referral. Please click here to access quick assistance with housing, food, childcare, or other basic needs. If you have any questions, please reach out to mbraziel@literacypittsburgh.org.

Career Services Classes and Workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Events  

Evening Career Services Opportunities

Career Services is expanding! This month, we are offering more evening availability for drop-in hours and workshops to better support our students. Join us for virtual workshops, career preparation events, and ongoing support to help you reach your employment goals.

University of Pittsburgh Interview Workshop

📍Wednesday, July 1, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Learn interview tips and strategies from professionals at the University of Pittsburgh. This workshop will help you prepare for interviews, understand employer expectations, and strengthen your confidence during the hiring process. Direct any questions to Noelle at ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.orgInterested? Register here.

Job Fair Preparation Work

📍Wednesday, July 8, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Online on Zoom

Are you attending a job fair or looking for a new opportunity? Join us for a job fair preparation workshop to learn how to introduce yourself, talk with employers, ask questions, and make a strong first impression.

You’ll learn how to:

• Prepare your introduction and elevator pitch
• Talk with employers about your skills and experience 
•  Ask helpful questions
•  Feel more confident at career events

This workshop will help you feel prepared and ready to connect with employers. Interested? Register here.

CareerLink Student Visit

📍 Thursday, July 16, 12:00 pm  - 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center

Learn more about CareerLink resources and opportunities available to job seekers. This visit is a great chance to connect with workforce professionals and learn about employment support services. Interested? Register here.

Literacy Pittsburgh Career Day

📍Wednsday, July 29, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center  

Meet with employers, learn about job opportunities, and connect with organizations looking to hire. Career Day is a great opportunity to explore careers, ask questions, and build professional connections.
Interested? No registration required; we hope to see you there!

Ongoing Career Services Opportunities

Visit the Student Calendar for a complete listing of upcoming classes and career offerings, including:

• Digital skills classes
• Resume and cover letter support
• Upwardly Global open lab
• Career Services drop-in hours
• Job search support and more

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. Evening hours available this month.

Getting Ready For College Class in August!   

📍Tuesdays & Thursdays, August 18 - September 24, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

In this class, students will focus on different skills and strategies needed for college. 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. By the end of the class, students will be more prepared to succeed in the college environment. 

If you're interested, please let Miguel Diaz (mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org) know that you are interested in joining this class. You can also register for class here.

Summer Plans

Summer is coming soon! We understand that some students may have travel plans or may need to stay home with their children during the summer break. Please be sure to tell your teacher, coordinator, or tutor if you are planning to be away on vacation or need to take time off to be with your children during the school break. This will help us make sure your spot in class or with your tutor is reserved for you when you return.

If you have any questions, please talk to your teacher, coordinator, or tutor.

Honor Your Fellow Students with a Gift to Literacy Pittsburgh

As our program year ends, there is still time to celebrate the achievements of your fellow students. You can help someone else take the next step toward a better life.

Thanks to our generous donors, students at Literacy Pittsburgh are gaining new skills and preparing for better jobs. As a donor, you can make it possible for students to continue learning and working toward their goals.

Donations provide funding for classes, tutoring, and other programs that support our students and families. If Literacy Pittsburgh has helped you, and you would like to give, you can make a donation of any amount, and we are grateful for your support.

Thank you for helping create a stronger community where students and their families can learn, grow, and build a better future.

July Community Events

July 4: Independence at the Point

At Point State Park on the Fourth of July, families can enjoy free family activities, live music, and line dancing beginning at 4:00 pm, followed by fireworks at 9:35 pm. Food concessions will be set up throughout the park. Admission is free to this event. For more information on this and other family-friendly events in Pittsburgh this summer, visit KIDSBURGH.

Cinema in the Parks & Outdoor Movie Nights

📍Dates and locations vary
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm 
Pittsburgh City Parks, Arts Landing, Bakery Square, and more!

All screenings are free but subject to weather, and all begin at dusk — usually between 8:50 pm and 9:15 pm. Learn more here.

Family Fest at Arts Landing

📍Saturday, July 25
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
803 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15222

Ideal for families with children ages 1-13, Family Fest at Arts Landing features live performances, story time, family pickleball, local mascot meet-and-greet, and a family dance party, along with ongoing activities including face painting, food trucks, lawn games, chalk art, scavenger hunt, open play, and hands-on arts activities. For more information, visit trustarts.org.

Financial Tip for July — Use Cash for Fun Spending 

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

An Advanced English student in the Alumni Club wrote: "І continue to improve my English at the Alumni Club, as I will be living in Pittsburgh for the rest of my life. I want to know the language of the country where I will spend the remainder of my days! Thank you to Literacy Pittsburgh for providing such an opportunity for students of retirement age!"

Latasha is one of Miranda’s students in the South Hills area. Latasha graduated from South College’s pre-nursing program. She worked incredibly hard and never gave up. Latasha came to Literacy Pittsburgh seeking a tutor to help strengthen her skills and prepare for the TEAS exam required for nursing school. She decided to pursue her associate degree and plans to continue working toward her dream of becoming a nurse.

Miranda wrote, "Great job, Latasha! Your perseverance and determination deserve to be celebrated. I know how hard you worked to achieve this milestone. Congratulations on your success, and best wishes as you continue your nursing journey!"

Khin Khin learned about Literacy Pittsburgh from her first ESL teacher, who had formerly worked there. She encouraged Khin Khin to apply even before she moved to Pittsburgh. “I wanted to continue improving my knowledge and English skills.” Khin Khin said. 
 
She started taking classes in 2022, starting with GED classes and moving on to digital skills courses, Accounting Essentials, and English for Jobseekers, with the goal of working in the healthcare field as a diagnostic medical sonographer. “Having a clear goal motivates me to keep moving forward until I achieve it. I am excited to see how far I can grow in a new country with a new career path."

Khin Khin is deeply grateful to Literacy Pittsburgh for empowering and supporting her on her journey. “It is a life-changing opportunity for an immigrant like me. They gave me guidance, education, and confidence I needed to continue my career journey and succeed in the U.S.” 

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

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
– A.A. Milne

“All of life is a constant education."
– Eleanor Roosevelt