College Pathways Program Launches

Literacy Pittsburgh has introduced its College Pathways Program to assist adult learners in transitioning to higher education. The program commenced in April with the Thinking About College course, a five-week session led by Miguel Diaz Segura. This course covers topics such as how to research and choose a college, admissions and placement exams, financial aid planning, and student support in college. Guest speakers from local institutions, including CCAC, Point Park, Carlow universities, and PA CareerLink^® will be present.

The course concludes with a campus tour of Point Park University and a College Fair (the College Fair is open to course participants and the general public)

Literacy Pittsburgh College Fair
📍Wednesday, May 7, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center

Following this, the Getting Ready for College course begins on May 19, taught by James Fagg. It focuses on time management, study strategies, writing, and stress management. Interested students can contact Miguel Diaz Segura at mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org.

We are very excited to offer this opportunity to help Literacy Pittsburgh students become more prepared to apply to college and pursue higher education.

To read more about the development of the College Pathways Program, visit our website.

May Digital Skills Calendar

May will soon be abloom with new flowers and new computer skills!

Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink^® Downtown, PA CareerLink^® Allegheny East, Human Services Center Mon Valley, Penn Hills Library, 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:

Beginner English Computer Class
Digital Skills Orientation
Intro to Zoom
Open Lab / Typing Club

Human Services Center Mon Valley (HSCMV):

Online Safety Series (4 sessions)

EARN Wilkinsburg:

Open Lab / Typing Club

Penn Hills Library:

Tech Hour (May 19)

Virtual Classes (Online via Zoom):

Intro to Microsoft Word (6 sessions)
Intermediate Microsoft Word (4 sessions)
New! Google Career Certificate Info Session
Job-Search Series

PA CareerLink^® Downtown:

NEW! Google Sheets (4 sessions)
Open Lab / Typing Club

PA CareerLink^® Allegheny East:

Intro to Excel (6 sessions)
Open Lab / Typing Club (Thursdays in May)

Please note the updated Open Lab listing on the digital skills calendar!

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)
Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; PA CareerLink^® Allegheny East)

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.

Note: Literacy Pittsburgh will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. There will be no classes or Open Labs.

Happy May!

Service Coordination Events

Service Coordination - Monthly Office Hours - Summer Clothing Sign Up

📍Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center OR Online on Zoom

Are you or your family in need of summer clothing? We will be helping students register for clothing vouchers. If you would like to attend virtually, please scan the QR code or click this link. 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

Literacy Pittsburgh Resource Fair
📍Wednesday, April 30, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center

Literacy Pittsburgh is holding a resource fair for students to connect with services, information, and support from the following vendors: Allegheny Go, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Unity Recovery, Jeremiah’s Place, Dress for Success, and Housing Stabilization Center. Registration is not needed.

Upwardly Global Information Session
📍Monday, May 5, 12:00 am - 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom 

Searching for a job, but not sure where to start? Upwardly Global is an online education tool that can help you learn about different careers and how to prepare for them. Join Literacy Pittsburgh career advisors on Zoom to learn more about the resource and create an account. Interested? Register here.
Note: This workshop is recommended for advanced English speakers only. Please email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org or call 412-478-9861 with any questions.

College Fair at Literacy Pittsburgh
📍 Wednesday, May 7, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center  

CCAC, Point Park University, Carlow University, and PA CareerLink will be available to answer questions about applying to and attending college. Speak with advisors, admissions representatives, and financial aid experts. Registration is not needed.

PA CareerLink^® at Downtown Center 
📍Thursday, May 22
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 an advisor, email dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org. Learn more about PA CareerLink^®: https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/

Upwardly Global Open Lab   
📍Tuesdays, 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 time. Questions? Email Dru at dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.

Computer Skills Classes
Get an introduction to computers, learn essential software, and become familiar with using technology in daily life. Courses can help you gain proficiency in basic computer skills, navigating the internet, using email, Windows 10, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Docs, LinkedIn, and job search skills. Open lab time is also available for individualized instruction and assistance with formatting a resume or cover letter. Both online and in-person learning options are available. Visit the computer skills page of our website for the current Allegheny County and Beaver County class schedules. Open to current, waiting, or former Literacy Pittsburgh students

Urgent Job Search Crash Course
📍Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Online on Zoom 

Need a job ASAP? Join Career Services for this new series of weekly workshops where we will guide you through the general and local employment necessities to help you get a job. This month's workshops are:  
•   Tuesday, May 6: Job Search Basics
•   Tuesday, May 13: Job Search Toolbox pt. 1 (Resume and Cover Letter)
•   Tuesday, May 20: Job Search Toolbox pt. 2
•   Tuesday, May 27: Job Search Mindset
Interested? Register here. Questions? Email icenteno@literacypittsburgh.org.

Waitlist Workshop: Career Exploration
📍 Wednesdays, 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, May 7: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys)  
•   Wednesday, May 14: Resume Basics   
•   Wednesday, May 21: What Is Career Services?  
Classes are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh students, but will prioritize waiting students. Interested? Register here. Questions? Email icenteno@literacypittsburgh.org

Student Spark Award Recognition

We are excited to recognize the following students for our Student Spark Award! Students are nominated by their teacher or tutor, and this list represents nominations received from January to March 2025.
Congratulations to all!

Alexandra - Becoming a U.S. citizen (nominated by Tina Burns)
Amparo - Becoming a U.S. citizen (nominated by Tina Burns)
Angela - Starting job training at Bidwell (nominated by Leah Patterson)
Angeli - Starting a new job (nominated by Lauren Ramon)
Dennis - Starting a new job; Passing multiple GED test sections (nominated by Leah Patterson)
Gennesis - Receiving a job promotion; Mastering a difficult lesson (nominated by Shaheen Qureshi)
Iryna - Persevering through multiple obstacles (nominated by Kathy Hoedeman)
Jerrae - Passing a GED test (nominated by Leah Patterson)
Kyra - Receiving a GED credential (nominated by Debbie Howells)
Latasha - Starting college or job training (nominated by Miranda Pino)
Lisa - Starting job training at Bidwell (nominated by Leah Patterson)
Lorena - Improving English test score by nearly 20% (nominated by Keith Couser)
Luencea - Starting job training at Bidwell (nominated by Leah Patterson)
Mario - Excellent presentation; Doing great in class (nominated by Tina Burns)
Miranda - Making a presentation in English (nominated by Tina Burns)
Natalia - Excellent presentation (nominated by Tina Burns)
Olisha - Passing the science GED test (nominated by Miranda Pino)
Rabeckah - Earning a GED credential (nominated by John Lehman)
Shakia - Starting job training at Bidwell (nominated by Leah Patterson)
Sumeyye - Acceptance to a medical residency (nominated by Amanda Kmetz)
Tajah - Earning a GED credential (nominated by Emily Laughlin)
Tasheekia - Passing multiple GED test sections (nominated by Leah Patterson)
Tiara - Never giving up (nominated by Maura Brand)

Are You REAL ID Ready?

Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older who plans to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID.

At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing:
1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.

Children under 18 do not need to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification. If you are a lawfully present non-U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply for a REAL ID driver's license or ID card.

Read about the REAL ID application requirements for non-U.S. citizens, including accepted documents that prove your identity, Social Security status, and PA residency visit REAL ID Info for Non-U.S. Citizens | Driver and Vehicle Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

For more information, visit the Homeland Security site:
REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security

Looking Good for Less: Where to Find Low-Cost or Free Haircuts

Getting a haircut can help you feel more confident and ready for work or school, but it can also be expensive. The good news is that there are places in our community where you can get haircuts at low prices or even for free.

Here are some great options to check out:

Barber School of Pittsburgh (two locations – $8)
https://www.bsp.edu/
CCAC Homewood Brushton (FREE)
📍Monday through Thursday 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
701 N Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Phone: (412) 371-1600

One Big Table: A Night of Flavor, Fun and Philanthropy

What a night to remember! On April 3, more than 450 guests came together at NOVA Place for One Big Table to celebrate the incredible diversity and community spirit of Pittsburgh. The room was full of energy from delicious food from local restaurants to exciting performances that brought everyone to their feet.

Guests enjoyed flavors from around the world, thanks to all the restaurants who shared their favorite dishes. The entertainment was just as exciting, with Bollywood-inspired dance, bag pipe music, and more performances that had the crowd cheering.

Thank you to everyone who made this night so special and helped support Literacy Pittsburgh. To see photos from the event, visit South Breeze Photography. Enter your email address and use password LP2025.

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

Jerrae passed her GED test and is now looking at post-secondary education. We are proud of the hard work and dedication she has displayed in working towards her goal of obtaining her GED. We look forward to what her next career endeavor may bring.

Congratulations to Angela, Shakia, and Luencea (Lu Lu), who were recently accepted into Bidwell Training Center after completing several sessions of Literacy Pittsburgh’s Math Brush-Up class with Cliff Murphy. Leah Paterson, their program coordinator, shares how proud she is of their progress and commitment. We’re proud of their hard work and dedication, and confident they’ll achieve great success in their future career endeavors!

Tasheekia passed several parts of the GED test. She has faithfully attended and worked with her tutors at the Mooncrest GED group. We are proud of the hard work and dedication she has displayed in working towards her goal of obtaining her GED. We look forward to what her next career endeavor may bring.

When Kyra first came in to take her TABE test, she was unable to complete it and left in tears. Since then, she has shown incredible growth and determination. Teacher Debbie shared, “I am so proud of Kyra for her perseverance and work ethic. She has been meticulous in all of her work and never shied away from extra assignments. I’m especially proud of her for earning a College+ score on the RLA portion of the test.” Kyra is now inquiring about Bidwell Training Center.

Alexandra Romero attended Teacher Tina’s Citizenship class and passed her Citizenship Exam in February—great job, Alexandra!
She emailed Tina the same day to thank her, saying that everything Tina taught her was on the test. Alexandra even attended class on the day of her exam to share her experience and encourage other students. Well done, Alexandra!

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

“Wisdom begins with wonder.”
- Socrates, Greek philosopher

"Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it."
- Albert Einstein