Literacy Pittsburgh Student Newsletter
December Digital Skills Classes
Improve your computer skills with Microsoft Office, email, job searching, online safety, and more through free in-person classes in Beaver County and Allegheny County.
Current class calendars are on our website, and students can sign up for a workshop directly from the site.
Service Coordination Office Hours: Winter Preparedness
In preparation for the colder months, the Literacy Pittsburgh Service Coordinators will be doing on-the-spot referrals for free smoke detector installations from the Red Cross and partner agency referrals to apply for the Dollar Energy Fund. These office hours will be at Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center on December 4 and 5 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. We will also have Virtual Office Hours at the same time on Zoom for tutored and virtual students. Use this Zoom link to join virtually. Please stop by these office hours if you need help getting a referral for the Dollar Energy Fund or a free smoke detector installation.
Student & Career Services Updates
Upcoming Workshops and Events
Career Spotlight: Software Developer
Are you interested in computers? Enjoy math and numbers? Consider becoming a software developer! This job generally requires a four-year bachelor’s degree, but some do not. Software development requires education but is also a hands-on job, meaning that you will be required to be educated in that field and have prior experience. The average wage for a software developer is $61.18 per hour, which is around $127,260 annually. Important skills you must have for this job include a basic understanding of computers, knowledge of different types of software, and strong mathematic skills. The benefits? There are a variety of jobs to pick from, and the job market will continue to grow in the future. Interested in a job as a software developer? Contact Career Services at cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org!
American Workforce Culture Workshop
📍Friday, December 8, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online on Zoom
Maggie Lizzie from JFCS is offering a workshop on American Workforce Culture. The workshop will give you the skills and knowledge about American work culture, social norms, and how to navigate the nuances of working in the US job market. This is a one-time event and registration is required.
Register here.
Career Class! – New Choices
📍January 22 and 24, 6:00 – 8:45 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.
To register: Call 412-909-6499 or email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org
Career Workshops for Waiting Students
📍Wednesdays from 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 thinking about your goals, and to ease you into learning with us. This month's offerings are:
Wednesday, December 6: Career Exploration (Interest Surveys)
Wednesday, December 13: Resume Basics
Wednesday, December 20: What is Career Services?
Classes are open to all Literacy Pittsburgh Students, but we will prioritize waiting students. Interested? Register here.
CCAC Information Session
📍Thursday, December 7, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Online on Zoom
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) will join Literacy Pittsburgh to present information about its programs, financial aid, and the application process. The event is open to all current and former Literacy Pittsburgh students. Interested? Register here.
Need a job? Talk to Meghan from PA CareerLink!
📍 Once a month (Email Callie for the next date available)
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (see on Google Maps)
PA CareerLink is an organization dedicated to helping Pennsylvanians get jobs and build job skills. The PA CareerLink representative can meet with you one-on-one to evaluate your job goals, connect you with resources, review your resume, and give advice. Want to schedule a meeting? Have questions? Email cangelo@literacypittsburgh.org.
NEW – Career Help Walk-In Sessions
📍Mondays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Literacy Pittsburgh's Downtown Center (see on Google Maps)
Join Emma during her 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. Have questions or concerns? Email epetrick@literacypittsburgh.org
Student Spark Award Recognition
We are excited to recognize the following students for our inaugural Student Spark Award! Students are nominated by their teacher or tutor and this list represents nominations received from August through October 31st. Congratulations to all!
- Aiperi - Home ownership (Nominated by Rebecca)
- Aunel - Being selected for the Heinz Creative Award 2023 (Nominated by Amanda)
- Austin - Mastering a difficult lesson (Nominated by Maura)
- Blanca - Becoming a U.S. citizen, getting a new job and a promotion, starting job training (Nominated by Reid)
- Brittney - TABE Gain and Improving GED Ready Scores (Nominated by Terra)
- Cameron - Passing the entrance exam for Bidwell Training (Nominated by Terra)
- Danielle - Earning a GED credential and starting job training (Nominated by Terra)
- Ericka - Getting a new job (Nominated by Amanda)
- Iryna - Becoming a U.S. citizen (Nominated by Kristin)
- Kateryna - Working hard and making progress (Nominated by Debra)
- Karyna - Starting job training (Nominated by Daniel)
- Mashkura - Getting a new job (Nominated by Joanne)
- Muchen - Getting a new job (Nominated by Terri)
- Rosa - Passing the final exam for a clinic program in immigration law (Nominated by Amanda)
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order an additional 4 free at-home tests beginning November 20. If you did not order tests this fall, you may place two orders for a total of 8 tests. Your order of COVID tests is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping.
Project Bundle Up - The Salvation Army
Through Project Bundle Up, children up to 18 years old are provided up to $75 for new winter outerwear items, while seniors aged 62 years and older typically receive $100 for the purchase of winter items to keep warm during the cold months. Individuals can qualify once every two years. The program provides funding to nearly 5,000 individuals annually.
Applications must be taken in person at your local Salvation Army office. Find your local Salvation Army office by visiting www.wpa.salvationarmy.org and entering your zip code. Or, you can email them at project.bundleup@use.salvationarmy.org.
Student Success Stories
Congratulations to the following students!
Digital Skills instructor Adrianna Wright with student Sheila Barnes and the 14 certificates she has earned over the past year and a half through classes taken at Literacy Pittsburgh.
Five years ago, Nicolette was so proud to be recognized as a high graduate. Today, she is the proud owner of Parlor of the Pooch (parlorofthepooch.com) in Brighton Township. Her business will be two years old in February!
Congratulations to Literacy Pittsburgh student Aunel Kimbembe Makaya who was recently selected for the Heinz Creative Award 2023 for his documentary film project. Find out more at the link.
We congratulate the graduates of the PIT2Work Program! We are proud to collaborate on this terrific program that moves people from learning to earning.
Thank you to Comcast for donating 100 laptops to Literacy Pittsburgh! These will be available to students who lack technology at home. Technology access and digital skills are the focus of our Digital Navigator partnership with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
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 opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."
— Milton Berle
"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
