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6/30/2020

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Membership Emails

Below is a sample of the emails you can expect to receive when signed up to Literacy Pittsburgh.

The Spark Online: Welcoming Ne...
The Spark Online: Pursuing a D...

New Student Orientation Goes Virtual

Much of our energies in the spring were devoted to rapidly developing online learning opportunities for current students. However, we knew that the economic situation would mean more pressures for those without a high school credential or strong English language skills.

There are many men and women who need help, but how do you onboard students in a pandemic? New students generally attend an in-person orientation and testing session at Literacy Pittsburgh. Once state restrictions relaxed, and we received permission from the PA Department of Education to conduct skills testing online, we developed new models for orientation. These debuted in June. Read more

Volunteer Tutors Make a Difference

During economic uncertainty, demand for education increases. It’s been no different here at Literacy Pittsburgh. Normally, we rely on advertising in public spaces, like churches, neighborhoods, and libraries, to bring people to our tutor training workshops, volunteer fairs, and informational meetings. In light of COVID-19, virtual recruitment tools, like social media and volunteer websites such as Pittsburgh Cares become more important. So does word of mouth from friends like you. Read more

Spotlight on Success: Laura

Laura (right) with her classmate Stephany

Laura knew math skills would be essential to pursuing a career in carpentry. However, it had been a few decades since she last attended a math class. Thanks to a partnership between Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania and Literacy Pittsburgh, Laura brushed up on her math skills while attending an Introduction to the Construction Trades training course. “Laura was one of several participants who passed their apprentice tests due largely to Construction Math taught by Vivienne McClellan of Literacy Pittsburgh,” explains Chaquita Barnett, Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania Program Director.

Chaquita also noted that Laura is one of just two students in the cohort who accumulated 1000 minutes of supplemental learning in Khan Academy! Sixteen participants successfully graduated in July, and 98 percent are placed in jobs and working. Literacy Pittsburgh is proud to play a role in their success.

Ready & Relevant: Data-Driven Decision Making

This spring, Literacy Pittsburgh implemented a new information management system to help us track data more efficiently and accurately. Previously, data was collected within multiple databases and even some Excel spreadsheets.

While we keep extensive records about student hours, test scores, and goal achievement, there were reporting lags and information was not accessible in real-time across the agency. Read more

Partner News: Library Reopenings

While we couldn’t be together in-person, Allegheny County Libraries have been busy adapting services and continuing to offer digital resources and programming for all residents. As libraries are re-opening there are a variety of services available including curbside pick-up of requested items. Many libraries are making computers available when it is safe to begin phasing in some in-library services. Contact your local library for up-to-date information.

Meet Our Staff

Congratulations to Erica and Vince who were recognized in our Staff Kudos program last month for going above and beyond.

Erica Hom
Downtown Center English Language Learning Coordinator

Erica guides students through the placement process and conducts assessments for all English language learners at our Downtown Center. The success and resilience of our students inspire Erica the most. The best piece of advice she’s ever received is: “Drink water and get some sunlight. You’re basically a houseplant with occasional complex thought patterns.” What a fitting mindset to help her take care of her 30+ children…all houseplants, of course.

Vince DeStefano
South Hills Program Coordinator

Vince matches and supports students and volunteers in the South Hills neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Resiliency also inspires him. “People are able to cope with a lot. Not even necessarily because they view themselves as ‘strong,’ but when left with no other choice, people show amazing resilience.” Currently, Vince is using his talent in writing to write a fiction novel. His favorite piece of advice is, “Don’t borrow trouble against the future.” A key phrase as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.

Did You Know?

Last program year, 639 students met employment-related goals.

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Spotlight on Success: Fatima

Fatima is a student in our College and Career Readiness program studying to get her high school equivalency diploma. “After looking for jobs so many times and not having the diploma that they required, I thought this is the first step I need to do,” Fatima explains. I’m really hoping to get my GED diploma, go back to school for job training and get a better job than I have now. I would like to go back to school for physical therapy or massage therapy.” It has not been easy for Fatima to focus on her studies. She has to work and take care of her children, but she is motivated to keep going. Read more

Family Literacy Program Expands

Family of six with a colorful children''s block tower

In June, our Family Literacy program received a grant from the Birmingham Foundation to open a second site based in the South Pittsburgh Hilltop neighborhoods. A particular focus is parents who need help preparing for the high school equivalency exams. During times of high unemployment, individuals without a high school credential are at a significant disadvantage. We want to help parents in our community boost their skills so that they can create stability and security for their families. Read more

Ready & Relevant: Your Future Starts Now!

Industries that have been hit hardest by the pandemic—hospitality, retail, transportation, restaurants—often employ workers who lack the credentials and skills to shift into different careers. We have a responsibility to ensure that these men and women know we can help.

Literacy Pittsburgh’s free classes and tutoring provide a chance to earn a high school credential or brush up on math and reading, opening the door to job training and new employment opportunities. Thanks to generous grant funding, we are embarking upon a public awareness campaign this summer to reach those most in need of help. In addition to targeted advertising, we’re leveraging partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions in creative ways. We’re excited to help these new students shape their future.

Do you know someone who might benefit from our classes? Send them to www.startclassnow.org.

Help a Child Flourish This School Year

LEARN MORE

Volunteers age 50+ are needed to help a child with reading and self-confidence during the upcoming school year. Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring pairs adults with students in grades K-4 in six area school districts. 

Free training and materials are provided. Call 412-393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org to sign up for our next training.

The health and safety of our tutors and students is our top priority.
Contact us to find out more.

Make Sure YOU Are Counted!

The 2020 Census is currently underway. To date, just two-thirds of Pennsylvanians have responded. Data from the Census plays a part in defining political districts, directing research, informing planning, and determining federal funding for various community services.

Currently, there are three ways to complete the 2020 Census, all of which allow you to stay in the comfort and safety of your home. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. If you did not respond online or by phone yet, you should have received a paper questionnaire. Starting in August, Census takers will begin to visit homes that have not responded. Read more

COMPLETE THE CENSUS NOW

Meet Our Staff

Congratulations to Arlene and Alex, who were recognized in our Staff Kudos program last month for going above and beyond.

Arlene Kasenic
Technology Coordinator

Arlene manages all devices used by students and staff, offers helpdesk support, orders supplies, and administers the high school equivalency test at our downtown center site. She finds inspiration in our staff’s dedication and was impressed with efforts to advance our mission during the lockdown. Arlene’s especially excited about the device lending and connectivity program she’s helping to develop. “This will be a game changer for many of our students!” Outside of work, Arlene loves to travel, and while she has been to many places, she remains Pittsburgh Proud. Her favorite piece of advice is: “You’ll never regret any money you’ve invested in education.” We agree and are extremely grateful to our donors for investing in our students’ education and creating better lives through learning.

Alex Dow
Data and Information Manager

Alex records and reports on student data and manages our agency and state databases. Over the past year, he has overseen the huge task of implementing a new agency-wide database system that will allow us to track student outcomes, and relationships with volunteers and donors, more efficiently. Alex is inspired by people who act for the betterment of others. When Alex isn’t working, he likes to spend time with his wife, ten-year-old daughter, and seven-year-old son. The best advice Alex has been given, “This too shall pass.” What helpful encouragement as we navigate such unprecedented times.

Did You Know?

One-third of tutors have volunteered for 1-3 years at Literacy Pittsburgh.

VOLUNTEER

DONATE

ENROLL