One Big Table Event

One Big Table raised more than $100,000 so our students can improve their reading, writing, math, English language, digital literacy, and workplace skills. We appreciate the generous support of all of our sponsors, and all of our guests and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. You can visit our website for the full restaurant list. 

Student Portal – Find Workshops, Classes, Job Fairs, and Help    

Customer Service for Healthcare Classes 

April Digital Skills Calendar

New Open Lab schedule at PA CareerLink^® Downtown: Check out our Open Lab sessions on three Mondays this month! Our computer class calendars are available at www.LPStudent.com/calendar.

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. 

Service Coordination Updates

Service Coordination Office Hours

📍Monday, April 8 & Tuesday, April 9 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps) OR Online on Zoom

Do you need summer childcare? We will help students apply to various summer camps and summer daycare programs for their children. 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. 

English Listening: What to Do in May in Pittsburgh
📍Friday, April 26 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

This is an event for ELL students who want to practice listening to English. You will hear the LP service coordinators talk about Pittsburgh and different events happening in the area during the month of May. 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 & Career Services Updates 

Career Spotlight: Bidwell’s Chemical Laboratory Technician Program can lead to a great career

Bidwell Training Center is a Pittsburgh region staple, offering free education for anyone with a high school diploma or GED in fields such as Medical Assistance, Medical Coding, Culinary Arts, and Horticulture. With a Chemical Laboratory Technician Certification, you will learn skills to maintain laboratory safety, ensure quality control of the chemical compounds, and support the production of chemical compounds such as common plastics.

Think this career might be a good fit for you? Bidwell will begin their next classes in April—talk to a career advisor about how you can apply or schedule a tour to learn more today!

For more information visit Bidwell Training Center.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Career Services Office Hours  
📍Mondays from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm 
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps)

Join Career Services during their office hours for quick career help, such as asking a question, getting feedback on a resume, or any other career-oriented questions you may have. Sessions will occur on a walk-in basis – no need to schedule in advance. Questions or concerns? Email epetrick@literacypittsburgh.org.

Career Workshops
📍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 offerings are:     

• Wednesday, April 3: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys)    

• Wednesday, April 10: Resume Basics    

• Wednesday, April 17: What is Career Services?    

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

April Resource Fair
📍Wednesday, April 17 from 11:30am – 1:30pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (Google Maps) or Online on Zoom

For this resource fair, we will be having health and safety professionals making presentations to our classes. They will also be available to give additional information to students. We are also offering a virtual option to anyone who is unable to attend in-person. If you would like to attend online, please email Lindsey at lcrumley@literacypittsburgh.org to register, and the Zoom link will be sent to you on the morning of the event.

Job Search Workshop: Online Job Application 
📍Thursday, April 18 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm 
Online on Zoom 

April’s monthly career services workshop will focus on the online job application—what sites should you use? Are there any tips or tricks? Join Maggie Lizzi from JFCS’s Career Development Center to learn more. Questions or concerns? Email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org.

Reminder: All Career Services information can be found on the student portal. The Calendar page includes all information about upcoming workshops and events and the Jobs page holds resources for training programs and job search. 

Security Guard Program at Pitt

The Innovation Skills District Alliance (IDSA) is starting a new training cohort, for Security Guard positions with the University of Pittsburgh! Applications are being accepted now.

This cohort will run from May 6 through May 24, with additional check-ins during the hiring and onboarding process to support each candidate. 

The application deadline for this training is April 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm. 

Participants will receive:

• Targeted job-readiness training 
• Opportunity to interview for a Security Guard position (overnight/swing shift to start) with the University of Pittsburgh
• Chromebook, stipend, and gift cards to support participation
• Referral information and resources to address barriers
• Ongoing career counseling
• Alumni support

Click here for the application. For more information or you have questions, you can reach IDSA at idsa@jfcspgh.org.

Carpenters Apprenticeship Program

Anyone who is interested in the Carpenters Apprenticeship Program is welcome. Benefits include free tuition, 42 college credits, continued training, and more. For more information contact jac@kmlctf.org or call (412) 262-1830

NorthSideWorks! Job Fair

Free Tax Preparation 

Tax season runs from January 23 to April 15 of each year. You may qualify for free tax preparation assistance if your family’s income was less than $65,000 in 2023.

How to get free tax help
Please select from the following options for filing your 2023 taxes:

1. Have your taxes prepared virtually
   • Is this option right for you? Learn more
   • ​​​​​Get started at www.GetYourRefund.org/JustHarvest
2. Schedule an in-person appointment
   • To schedule an appointment, you can contact the United Way Resource Navigators in 3 different ways:
        - Dial 2-1-1 or 888-856-2773
        - Text your zip code to 898-211​​​​​
        - Use United Way’s online scheduler to make an appointment
3. Contact AARP at AARP Tax-Aide Allegheny County, PA 
4. File on your own at https://myfreetaxes.com
   • No income limits
   • Interpretation services available

Happy Ramadan

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

David’s progress in learning the English language has been remarkable. “Literacy Pittsburgh is a ideal place for all persons, all Pittsburghers who need to achieve their goals.” David explains. “It’s the best place here. I like it.”

Congratulations to one of Shirley's students for passing her citizenship test and becoming a U.S. citizen last month!

In the play, Olena is from Ukraine and flees her country due to war. Olena arrives in Pittsburgh and meets her neighbor Anouar from Algeria who fled his country because of the government’s persecution for supporting LGBT rights. They became friends. One day they realized that to move on, it was important to tell each other their stories. The premiere was on Monday, March 25 at City of Asylum.

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 future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."   — Eleanor Roosevelt

"The great aim of education is not knowledge but action."
— Herbert Spencer