Literacy Pittsburgh Student Newsletter

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GED Graduation Celebration

On May 14, Literacy Pittsburgh hosted our annual GED graduation ceremony. We were thrilled to celebrate graduates from the past program year as they gathered with families and friends to honor this incredible accomplishment.

 

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! 

Here is how you can help:  
Send an email to Congress

 
 
 
 
 
 

College & Career Pathways Survey

We want to hear from you! Take a short survey about your college and career goals. Your answers will help us build better programs for you.

Win a $25 Gift Card!
2 winners will be picked each week. 4 chances to win over 2 weeks.

Takes just a few minutes.
Survey closes June 12.
 

Complete the survey
 
 
 
 
 
 

Service Coordination Event

Service Coordination Office Hours: General Childcare Assistance     

📍Monday, June 1 & Tuesday, June 2, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

The Service Coordination team will be assisting students with applying for childcare, ranging from emergency support to daycare. Students will be asked to provide their name and contact information so that a coordinator can reach out to them and schedule an appointment to address their family's needs. If you would like to attend virtually, please sign up here.

 If you have any questions or concerns, please email Manique Braziel  (mbraziel@literacypittsburgh.org) or Ezekieli Seti (eseti@literacypittsburgh.org) for additional information. 

 

June Digital Skills Calendar

 June is a beautiful month to enjoy nature and learn new computer skills!

Please check out our virtual classes and in-person offerings at Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown, PA CareerLink® Downtown, PA CareerLink® Allegheny East, and Penn Hills Library. We’re also hosting Digital Skills Orientation and Google Career Certificate Info Sessions to help students get started with computer classes and self-directed learning.

 

Literacy Pittsburgh Downtown:

  • Beginner English Computer Class (8) - for level 1 ESL students
  • Intro to Microsoft Excel (6)
  • Open Lab / Typing Club — on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (no Open Lab the week of June 29) 

PA CareerLink® Downtown:

  • Intro to Google Sheets (6 sessions)
  • Open Lab / Typing Club — on Mondays and Wednesdays (no Open Lab the week of June 29)

PA CareerLink® Allegheny East:

  • Internet Basics (8 sessions)

Penn Hills Library:

  • Open Lab — on Mondays (except June 29)

Virtual Classes (Online via Zoom):

  • Intro to Microsoft Word (6 sessions)
  • Intro to Microsoft Excel (6 sessions)
  • Intermediate Microsoft Excel ( 6 sessions)  
  • Digital Skills Orientation
  • Google Career Certificate Info Session

  • Google for Beginners (4 sessions — attend them all or attend them individually!)
    - Gmail
    - Google Drive
    - Google Calendar
    - Google Maps

  • Job-Seeking Workshops:               - LinkedIn® Profile & Network
     - Preparing for a Virtual Job       Interview
    - Job Search with Indeed
    - Completing Online Job Applications
    - Preparing for a Virtual Job Interview 

Please note the updated Open Lab listing! 

Open Lab Schedule (except as noted):

  • Mondays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; no Open Lab the week of June 29)
  • NEW! Mondays: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Penn Hills Library; no Open Lab the week of June 29)
  • Time Change: Mondays: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (PA CareerLink® Downtown; no Open Lab the week of June 29)
  • Wednesdays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PA CareerLink® Downtown; no Open Lab the week of June 29)
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Literacy Pittsburgh; no Open Lab the week of June 29) 

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 June!

 
 
 
 
 

Career Services Classes and Workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Events                                                                    
PA Women Work New Choices June Cohort - Enrolling Now 

📍Mondays and Wednesdays from June 8, 10, 15, 17 & 22, 6:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Online on Zoom

Join Pennsylvania Women Work's FREE New Choices career development class and get help reaching your professional goals.    

In this class, you will: 

  • Create a new resume 
  • Practice your interview skills
  • Learn effective communication tactics  
  • Gain a strong understanding of the job application process  
  • Build your confidence 

Enroll by Wednesday, June 3 using this form:
New Choices Interest Form 

BankWork$ Information Session 

📍Wednesday, June 17, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Join us for an information session about BanksWork$, a free career training program that prepares adults for careers in the banking industry. Learn about the training process, job opportunities, employer connections, and how this program can help you build a professional career pathway. Whether you are exploring a new career or ready to take the next step, this session is a great opportunity to learn more and ask questions!
Interested? Register here.

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. 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, but 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.

 
 

Learn and Earn Summer Program 2026

Do you have a teen looking for a job over the summer? Learn and Earn is a paid summer youth employment program for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County residents ages 14–23. Participants gain work experience, career exploration, job training, and professional skills while earning $10–$15 per hour.

Program Tiers
• Ages 14–15: Career exploration, workshops, and job shadowing
• Ages 16–19: Paid work experience at local worksites
• Ages 20–23: Industry training, certifications, and career placement opportunities

Apply by: June 5, 2026
Apply online at jobs4summer.org

For more information, contact the Partner4Work Learn and Earn Team at snsaif@jfcspgh.org or (412) 522-1233.

 
 

Year Up Information Session

📍Tuesday, June 9
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 
Online on Zoom

There’s an info session coming up for free tech and business career internships with Year Up. If you’re interested in working in business, customer service, IT, tech, or related fields, this info session will be a chance to learn about this program. Please see the flyer below for details. 

IMPORTANT: Students must be under 30 to start with Year Up.

If you are 30 or older, you can still come to this info session. You can learn and talk to your younger family and friends about it.
To sign up, register here.

 

University of Pittsburgh Dental Assistant Information Session

📍Thursday, June 25
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Are you interested in a career/job in the dental field? Join us online to hear more about Pitt's Dental Assistant Program. Learn about the application process, program expectations, and ways to pay for the program.

Please register for the event by clicking here. You can also register by emailing Miguel Diaz (mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org).

 

College Pathways Class in July

📍Mondays and Wednesdays,
July 6 - August 5
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Are you interested in going to college, but you still don't feel ready? Thinking About College is the perfect class for you. In this class, you will explore your interest in college by participating in a series of workshops/presentations conducted by Literacy Pittsburgh staff and external partners. 

To sign up, please click here. If you have any questions, contact Miguel Diaz (mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org).

Topics of focus include college search, financial aid, admissions and placement exams, and navigating student support in college.

 
 

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 a Mother in Your Life with a Gift to Literacy Pittsburgh

Mother’s Day has passed, but you can still celebrate the women in your life by supporting a mother who is building a better future.

With help from donors, mothers at Literacy Pittsburgh are learning new skills, preparing for better jobs, and helping their children succeed in school. Your gift helps students continue learning and reaching their goals.

Donations support classes, tutoring, and other important services for 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 being part of a community that helps mothers and families build a brighter future.

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY
 

June Community Events

Brashear Association Job Fair
📍Thursday, June 4
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
 
320 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15210

To register, contact Dawn Clisby at (412) 390-3588 or dmclisby@brashearassociation.org

 

Juneteenth Events

Downtown Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth events will be happening from June 18–21, 2026 between Point State Park and Market Square. There will be family-friendly activities, a parade, live music, opportunities to support Black-owned businesses via a vendor plaza open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and cultural events highlighting Black excellence. Learn more here.

 

June 20: World Refugee Day Pittsburgh

📍Monday, June 20
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260

June 20 is an annual international day honoring people around the world who have been forced to flee. The event will be held on the Schenley Plaza lawn. The day will include cultural performances, speakers, artisan craft vendors, food, family activities, and more. A free shuttle will be available for attendees on a continuous loop from downtown Pittsburgh to Schenley Plaza.

 

Allegheny County Summer Concert Series

📍Friday, June 5 - September 4
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

South Park Amphitheater & Hartwood Acres Amphitheater

Enjoy this free concert series with food trucks as well as local wineries and beer vendors. See the schedule here.

 

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 and 9:15 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Energy and Money Savings Tips

Check these energy-saving tips to find strategies to help you save energy and keep costs down during the spring and summer when the weather is warm, and you are trying to keep your home cool. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to keep energy affordable through the spring and summer. 

See the tips here
 

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

 

Rocio joined Teacher Shirley’s Citizenship class in February. Since then, they have worked together both during and before class to help her prepare for her citizenship interview and test. 

When Rocio first started, she really struggled with speaking and writing. Before class, Shirley and Rocio practiced mock interviews and writing exercises together. Rocio also worked hard on her writing during her free time, often bringing in notebooks to show Teacher Shirley how much she had practiced. Teacher Shirley is happy and proud to share that on Monday, April 20, Rocio passed her citizenship interview and test. Congratulations, Rocio! You are a great example of how hard work truly does pay off.

 

“Most Americans don’t realize how difficult English is to learn. I want to be a bridge to others.” After seeing a friend succeed at Literacy Pittsburgh, D’Arcy decided to pursue her GED and plans to continue with computer classes for Excel and Google certifications. 

Her long-term goal is to earn a degree in languages and become an interpreter, helping immigrants navigate daily life in the United States. In just two months, D’Arcy passed three GED subjects and is now working on Math with support from her teacher, Mary McNamee, whose patience and encouragement have helped her succeed. For D’Arcy, education is about more than passing tests—it’s about building confidence, finding meaningful work, and creating connections across cultures. Her message to others: don’t wait to invest in a better future.

 

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

 

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”
– Pele

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

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Literacy Pittsburgh
411 Seventh Avenue, Suite 525
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-393-7600
info@literacypittsburgh.org
www.literacypittsburgh.org

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