Since 2018, Literacy Pittsburgh has provided GED preparation classes for individuals housed at the Beaver County Jail in Aliquippa, PA. The high school equivalency classes are held two days per week in a large, well-equipped classroom provided by the jail.
New students take reading and math tests to determine areas of strength and weakness so the teacher can choose an individualized study plan. Students are periodically re-tested to determine when they are ready to take the four sections of the GED exam: language arts, math, science, and social studies. If a student is released before they earn their credential, they are offered quick placement in a Literacy Pittsburgh community class so they can continue making progress toward their goal. In addition, students explore career interests. Recent discussions have included Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), music recording technology, and commercial truck driving.
Finally, students are introduced to supportive services available to them when they are released from the jail. One example is a monthly reentry workshop offered by Beaver County Domestic Relations, which provides information about jobs,
on-the-job training, criminal record expungement, and more.
Job Training for Beaver County offers job search guidance, resume workshops, and training program tuition support. Literacy Pittsburgh and partnering agencies seek to help these students maintain stable, successful, and productive lives.
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.
