Join Us for Pittsburgh’s Day of Giving December 3!

This holiday season, you can help Literacy Pittsburgh provide more support and tools to students just like you! By sharing your story and talking about what Literacy Pittsburgh means to you, you can make a difference.

This year, all gifts made on December 3 will be doubled thanks to a generous gift from a local family. This means a gift of $5 becomes $10, $10 will become $20, helping even more people in your community! 

Here’s how you can participate:

• Share Your Story: Tell your friends and family how Literacy Pittsburgh has helped you and why you believe in our work.
• Make a gift on December 3, by clicking on this link: https://www.givebigpittsburgh.com/organizations/literacy-pittsburgh. You can help Literacy Pittsburgh raise money so more students can attend classes and tutoring.
• Invite Others to Help: Let others know about our Give Big profile page and encourage them to support Literacy Pittsburgh on this important day.

Together, we can help even more students and create a brighter future through learning and community!

December Digital Skills Calendar

Winter is coming! Stay cozy with our computer skills classes this holiday season. Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink^® Downtown, PA CareerLink^® East, and EARN Wilkinsburg:

Updated Open Lab Schedule (except as noted on calendar):

• Mondays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; EARN Wilkinsburg)
• Tuesdays: 12:00 – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh)
• Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (PA CareerLink® Downtown)
• Thursdays: 12:00 – 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.

Please note: There will be no classes or Open Labs from December 23 – January 3. Literacy Pittsburgh will be closed for winter break.

Service Coordination Events

Service Coordination Office Hours 
📍Monday, December 2 & Tuesday, December 3, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center OR Online on Zoom

Do you need help checking your eligibility for LIHEAP? We will help students check their eligibility and make appointment for help with the application. 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.  

English Listening: What to Do in December in Pittsburgh
📍Friday, December 20, 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 January. 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 Services Interest Survey 
Do you have any interest in learning more about the Port Authority, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, or other general information about how to ride the bus in Pittsburgh? The student services team is looking for student input on a potential new event where students can learn more about how to navigate using the bus systems in Pittsburgh. If you would be interested in this type of event, please fill out this short interest survey here.

Student and Career Services Classes and Workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Upwardly Global Information Session/Open Lab 
📍Monday, December 2, 12:00 – 1:00 pm 
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.                                                                                                         
Want to see the date for January? Check here! 
*Note: This resource is recommended for intermediate or advanced non-native English speakers. Please contact Dru at dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org with any questions.  

Career Workshops for Waitlist Students 
📍Wednesdays at 1:00 – 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, December 4, 1:00 – 2:30 pm: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys)   
• Wednesday, December 11, 1:00 – 2:30 pm: Resume Basics    
• Wednesday, December 18, 1:00 – 2:30 pm: What is Career Services?   

Classes are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh Students but will prioritize waitlist students. Interested? Register here.

Want to see the dates for January? Check here!

CCAC Information Session 
📍Thursday, December 5, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online on Zoom 

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) will join Literacy Pittsburgh to present information about programs, financial aid, and their application process. Event is open to all current and former Literacy Pittsburgh students. Interested? Register here.

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. 

Resume Office Hours 
📍Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 – 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  

CareerLink^® Job Search and Resume Workshop  
📍Thursday, January 23, 10:30 – 11:30 am 
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

Searching for a job? Need a Resume? PA CareerLink^® can help! PA CareerLink_^® offers resources to assist in finding employment, developing professional skills, and much more. Join Megan Grabowski of PA CareerLink^® for an introduction to making your resume on the site, finding jobs on site, and other features to boost your employability. Interested? Register here. 

Want a personal consultation? Email Callie at cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org to request one. 

American Job Skills Foundations (Certificate Workshop Series)
📍 Fourth Friday(s) starting January 24, 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.  

• January 24 – American Job Search: Learn about the start to finish process of finding a job in the US. We will review all parts of the job search process.
• February 28 – American Workforce Culture: Gain the skills to navigate social and professional interactions in the workplace.
• March 28 – Moving To Your Next Job: Prepare for a new job and the details involved in transitioning from one job to the next.  

Interested? Register Here! Questions? Email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org

Career Class: New Choices
In collaboration with Pennsylvania Women Work   
📍Mondays and Wednesdays: January 27 – February 10, 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.  
The deadline to register for this class is Thursday, January 16.
To register: Call 412-909-6499 or email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org 

Bidwell Information Session
📍Wednesday, January 29, 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Online on Zoom

Looking for short training programs to help you get to a job? Try Bidwell Training Center! Bidwell is a local free educational institution offering certificates in fields like Culinary Arts, Horticulture, Medical Coding/Billing, Pharmacy Tech, and more. Learn about the school, programs, and application process with this listening event. For a more in-depth look, join one of several in-person tours of the facility in the Northside, and begin your application. Interested? Register here.

December Events

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

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 capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice."
— Brian Herbert

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
— Robert Collier