March Digital Skills Calendar

March into spring equipped with 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 the Carnegie Library of Homestead. We’re also hosting Digital Skills Orientation, Intro to Zoom, and Google Career Certificate Info Sessions to help new students get started with classes.

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)
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 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.

Service Coordination Events

Service Coordination Office Hours: Summer Camp Sign-up                        📍Monday, March 2 & Tuesday, March 3, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center 

Summer is around the corner and families are looking for summer camps. During the month of February, we will be tabling with our volunteers to help students find summer camps near them. If you know of any families in need, please have them stop by. At the start of March, we will be tabling to help any families still seeking summer camps for their children. Help spread the word!

Career Services Classes and Workshops

Upcoming Workshops and Events                                

Trying Together Lunch & Learn
📍Wednesday, March 11, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom 

Do you want a career in education? Do you love working with children? Come to the Trying Together information session to learn more about how you can earn your credentials to get started in this fun and fulfilling career! Please note: all content will be in English. Questions? Contact Noelle Dreizin at ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org. Interested? Register here.

Waitlist Workshop: Resume Makeover and Cover Letter Takeover
📍March 18 and March 25, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm 
Online on Zoom

This is a series of 2 workshops available to all students–even before you start classes. These workshops are designed to get you started thinking about your goals and ease you into learning with us.

• Wednesday, March 18, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Resume Makeover
• Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Cover Letter Takeover             Interested? Register through the lpstudent.com calendar!

CCAC Information Session
📍Thursday, March 19, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online on Zoom

The CCAC information session is designed to help students who are interested in continuing their education to learn more about the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and its programs. Please note: all content will be in English. Questions? Contact Noelle Dreizin at ndreizin@literacypittsburgh.org. Interested? Register here.

Career Panel Q&A with Corporate Mentors
📍Thursday, March 25, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom

Hear directly from professionals working in different industries about their career paths and day-to-day work. Ask questions about jobs, education, and workplace expectations in a supportive setting. This is a great opportunity to explore career options and learn from real-world experience. Please note: all content will be in English. Questions? Contact Kate Humphries at khumphries@literacypittsburgh.org. Interested? Register here.

Upwardly Global Open Lab
📍Every Tuesday, 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 during this weekly practice space. Questions? Email Dru Pelter at dpelter@literacypittsburgh.org.

Upwardly Global Industry Workshop
📍The fourth Tuesday of every month, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center  

Hoping to learn about different industries across the United States workforce?  Upwardly Global has a vast library of job courses that will improve your knowledge of different industries and your skills as a job seeker. Interested? Come to Classroom 7! There will be a sign-in sheet for you to sign before the workshop starts.

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.

Getting Ready For College

Topics of focus for this class include time management, organizational skills, study strategies, writing practice, presentation skills, understanding college classroom expectations and norms, and managing stress while in college. 

If you are interested in this class, you can sign up by contacting Miguel Diaz at mdiaz@literacypittsburgh.org or (412) 801-1675 OR sign up directly: 

Spring Career Classes

Immigrant Workforce Program
📍Mondays and Wednesdays, March 23 - May 13, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Online on Zoom

JFCS and Literacy Pittsburgh are pleased to offer the Immigrant Workforce Program (IWP). This free program is designed to help immigrants navigate their job search and build relevant skills across diverse industries and career paths. Learn about job searching and career readiness from expert career counselors. Learn workplace English vocabulary, get resume and cover letter assistance, prepare for an interview, and hear from area employers. Designed for high-intermediate English speakers. This is an 8-week class that meets on Zoom. Register by March 6. Questions? Contact iwp@jfcspgh.org or (412) 235-8065. 

Customer Service
📍Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 7 - June 18, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
CCAC Homewood-Brushton Campus

Prepare for a career in customer service and administrative roles. Hone your soft skills and earn certification in Customer Service skills through PA Women Work and IBM SkillsBuild. Boost Microsoft Office skills in Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel. Develop SMART goals, explore career pathways, practice networking and interviewing skills. Register by March 24. Questions? Contact Vince DeStefano at vdestefano@literacypittsburgh.org or (412) 350-9920.        

Beginner English for Jobs
📍Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 7 - June 18, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Online on Zoom

In this class, you learn how to find a job and improve your English. You practice talking about your past jobs, your skills, and your goals. You practice common interview questions and learn about different jobs. You also learn how to complete job applications, make a resume, send emails, and look for jobs online. For beginner English learners. Register by March 24. Questions? Contact Vince DeStefano at vdestefano@literacypittsburgh.org or (412) 350-9920. 

Quickbooks
📍Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 7 - June 25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Orientation on Tuesday, March 31
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center

Literacy Pittsburgh is pleased to offer QuickBooks certification prep classes. The Intuit QuickBooks Online Certified User (QBOCU) designation is an industry-recognized credential that validates one’s skills in using the Intuit QuickBooks Online accounting software. Completion of Accounting Essentials or familiarity with Bookkeeping in the United States is recommended, but not required. Eligible participants will be provided a voucher to take the certification exam. Register by March 24. Questions? Contact Vince DeStefano at vdestefano@literacypittsburgh.org or (412) 350-9920. 

Microsoft Office Specialist Excel Associate
📍Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 7 - June 25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 
Orientation March 31
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center

Microsoft Office Specialist certification can give you the skills and confidence to succeed in the workforce. Gain in-depth knowledge of Excel to prepare for MOS 365 Excel Associate certification. Register by March 24. Questions? Contact Vince DeStefano at vdestefano@literacypittsburgh.org or (412) 350-9920.

Protect Yourself and Your Community

In times of uncertainty, preparation and community support matter more than ever. The information below is designed to help you and your loved ones stay informed, prepared, and connected. Whether you are directly affected or supporting someone who may be at risk, these tools and resources can help you respond with confidence and care. Please note that this information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Free Tax Return Preparation

The IRS will begin accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, 2026, with a filing deadline of April 15, 2026.                                                                              
Please note: The IRS is phasing out paper checks for tax refunds. You must provide bank account information to receive your refund in a timely manner.  

How to get free tax help:

• Just Harvest is open for tax help from January 21 to April 15. To schedule your appointment, email taxhelp@justharvest.org or call (412) 431-8960.
  For more information, visit https://www.justharvest.org/freetaxprep.
• The Human Services Center Mon Valley is open from January 27 to April 8, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at 413 Penn Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145
  APPOINTMENTS ONLY: To schedule an appointment, call 2-1-1 (1-888-553-5778 for landline callers) during weekdays between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm or schedule an appointment online anytime at http://www.unitedwayswpa.org/Free-Tax-Prep.

Join Our Team

Literacy Pittsburgh is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees feel a sense of belonging, are valued and supported, and are encouraged through open communication and mutual respect. We welcome all qualified applicants.

Literacy Pittsburgh is currently seeking applicants for the following positions:

• English Language Learner (ELL) Instructor
• Enrollment Coordinator
• Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) Service Coordinator (Part Time)

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.literacypittsburgh.org/join-our-team/       

March Community Events

PSO in the Libraries – West End
📍Saturday, March 7, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - West End
720 Wabash St., Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Enjoy a special performance by members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at the West End Library.

Latin American Cultural Center Spring Film Series
📍Thursday, March 19, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Latin American Cultural Center (LACC)
4338 Bigelow Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15123

The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is proud to present its Spring 2026 Film Series at the Latin American Cultural Center (LACC) in Oakland. Learn about the screenings at LACC

Intermission: An Artful Networking Series at August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC)
📍Thursday, March 19, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
980 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Drink. Dine. Dance. Decompress. Take an “intermission” from work and join the party. Tour the galleries and chill on the patio…simply BE at AWAACC. 
21+ and city stylish attire. Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Click here to view more events at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Happy Ramadan

Student Success Stories

Congratulations to the following students!

Now, with support from Program Coordinator Callie Angelo, he’s applying to Penn State Beaver. Ben hopes to study game development and become the first in his immediate family to graduate from college. “No matter what you’ve been through, there will be people who will help you,” Ben says. “I can’t imagine where I’d be without Callie, Literacy Pittsburgh, and all their resources.”

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

“If knowledge is power, then learning is a superpower.
— Jim Kwik

“The knowledge you gain today will shape the opportunities you unlock tomorrow”
― Manuel Corazzari