Literacy Pittsburgh

Immigrants and refugees coming to Pittsburgh face a new city, a new language, and a whole new way of life. Some are from war-torn countries and have suffered great hardships. Others may have had little schooling. Still others may have been accomplished professionals in their homeland. All are eager to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills so they can build a better life for their families. The language barrier is all that is holding them back from success. Literacy Pittsburgh helps foreign-born individuals learn the English language and American culture so they can thrive in our community. Teaching is tailored to each student’s skill level and goals. Classes focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, succeeding in the workplace, digital literacy, and navigating day-to-day life in a new city and culture. Students also have the opportunity to prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam. This program is for students who plan to remain in the United States permanently. The program is not intended for visitors to the U.S. or those with an F1 Visa.

Literacy Pittsburgh strengthens families by helping parents be their child’s first and best teacher. Our Family Literacy program fosters a love of learning in both children and parents. Adults develop the language and literacy skills needed to support their children’s educational goals, and children gain the foundational skills needed to succeed in school.

Family Literacy includes four distinct components: adult literacy, early childhood education, parenting skills and intergenerational literacy activities. The program incorporates lessons in reading, writing and speaking English, nutrition, healthy living, digital literacy, and workplace skills. Children participate in fun literacy-based activities such as library visits, family fun days and community activities.

Partnerships with community groups, libraries, churches and local government are a cornerstone of this program. Students learn about the community around them while giving back to those who have helped them.

Since 1995, Literacy Pittsburgh has been affiliated with the National Center for Families Learning, an organization that advances literacy and education by developing, implementing, and documenting innovative and promising two-generation practices, networks, and learning tools.

Students receive help to prepare for the five test subject areas: Language Arts/Reading, Language Arts/Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students also learn test-taking tips and strategies. Literacy Pittsburgh’s High School Equivalency Exam Preparation Program prepares students to take either the GED® or HiSet® exam. Both of these approved tests allow Pennsylvania students to earn the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. Those students who meet certain program requirements can also apply for a Literacy Pittsburgh scholarship to take their exams for free. In addition to offering preparation classes, we also guide students through the test registration process and help them find test times that fit their schedules.

Effective communication in the workplace allows companies to thrive. Yet, communication remains a top concern for employers and employees alike. These challenges have real costs in employee turnover, reduced productivity, and customer dissatisfaction.

Literacy Pittsburgh's employee training services can help companies overcome these challenges and boost its bottom line. In this program, instructors build a customized 15-hour training program to increase the skill level of employees. Educational offerings include Workplace English, Math Brush-up, Business Writing, and Cultural Competency. Employer Services training courses are developed collaboratively, with employer and employee goals in mind. Instruction is delivered on-site in a small group setting. A report will be provided at the conclusion of the course with quantitative and qualitative results as well as recommendations for next steps.

For nearly two decades, OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring has consistently improved students’ reading ability, academic performance, and attitudes about learning. OASIS provides a proven approach to help at-risk children read at grade level.

The program taps the tremendous potential of committed volunteers who have the time, patience, and life experience to make a profound difference in the lives of children. Children in grades kindergarten through fourth grade receive one-on-one help from a volunteer tutor. The volunteers, who are over age 50, tutor students each week at the schools where the children attend. Children not only develop skills but also confidence and a positive self-image.

OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring program is an affiliate of Literacy Pittsburgh. It is currently offered in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Woodland Hills School District.

Similar to the Peace Corps, the domestic AmeriCorps program engages more than 80,000 people in intensive service each year. Compass AmeriCorps is a program of Literacy Pittsburgh that provides service-year members to our partnering organizations in Allegheny County. Our members strengthen area nonprofits by providing full-time social services support and English language instruction to newly resettled refugees, immigrants, and international populations. Compass AmeriCorps members serve 1700 hours over 11 months as part of a passionate team that meets regularly for professional development and community service projects.