In our March 2024 e-newsletter, we highlighted the Relevant pillar of our new strategic plan. This priority gets to the heart of better lives through learning. Relevant prioritizes the role Literacy Pittsburgh plays in developing the region’s talent. Our strategic challenge is to improve educational and career outcomes for our students.
Literacy Pittsburgh sits at the nexus of three urgent local and national issues: an ongoing worker shortage, rapid technological change, and an increase in immigration. We have a responsibility to meet this demand for the benefit of our students and our community.
Under the Relevant priority, we have outlined these strategies:
- Create roadmaps that show students the way toward good careers and that show employers the value our students present.
- Expand and align educational programs, student services, and career-oriented classes to create a seamless journey from intake through goal attainment and onto the next steps.
- Offer programming at community locations in collaboration with partners.
- Offer online classes and digital skills instruction while coordinating access to affordable broadband and equipment.
- By year 3, achieve a 42% increase in employment outcomes, a 25% increase in postsecondary transitions, 33% in high school equivalency attainment, and a 51% increase in digital skills certifications.
- Increase student participation in career programs by 61%, career services by 26%, and service coordination by 281%.
- Build a strong network of 5 employer partners that inform programming and curriculum, interview students, participate in career services, and hire Literacy Pittsburgh students.
- Operate at least 3 career programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and/or jobs.
Literacy Pittsburgh’s 2020-2023 strategic plan allowed us to enhance program offerings, expand staff, and strengthen partnerships. Compared to three years ago, we’re serving 43% more students, high school equivalency attainment has more than doubled, postsecondary transitions have increased by 67%, and employment outcomes have increased by 40%. Our 2024-2027 plan is focused on sustaining and increasing this impact well into the future so that we may better help the adult learners we serve reach their full potential and contribute to our economy
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
