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Literacy Pittsburgh strives to deliver educational programming that creates stronger career outcomes for students. As part of our 2024-2027 strategic plan, we are embarking on ambitious initiatives to help us ensure that students seeking to attend college can successfully transition from Literacy Pittsburgh to college enrollment and persistence as a stepping stone to career outcomes.
Our first step in these efforts was to glean information from college-bound students and the educational institutions they wish to attend. We learned that the top concerns of our students—time management, understanding financial aid, and study skills—mirror the struggles that colleges observe with new students.
Knowing this information, we plan to offer workshops focusing on these and similar topics as well as the admissions process. We have a strong precedent for workshops like these. Over the past year, 230 students have registered for college information sessions and nearly 100 students have participated in our CCAC information sessions.
We will also evaluate our College and Career Readiness course offerings through the lens of college admission requirements. We will adjust curriculum and add learning opportunities where gaps exist. For example, at least two bridge classes will be offered. Bridge classes focus on providing students with non-academic skills they need to be successful in navigating college such as note-taking, understanding different learning systems, accessing college services, and navigating the college campus.
Student portfolios will be implemented. These will include artifacts of individual student achievement, skills, and credentials gained while at Literacy Pittsburgh. Portfolios will aid in navigating the application process and in demonstrating college readiness.
To bring these efforts together, we will implement a college pathway checklist as a roadmap for students from program entry through completion. It will include descriptions and outlines for core and supplemental classes, and information about student services and career exploration opportunities. Working hand in hand with local colleges and universities, we will identify and engage teams who can support students once they transition to campus. Or, come into our classrooms to do workshops on student supports, FAFSA, or choosing a major.
Our vision is that all students who wish to attend postsecondary education will effectively navigate a pathway to college because they understand the process, master aligned coursework, and utilize the support Literacy Pittsburgh offers to help them. Similarly, partner institutions will be invested and well-positioned to support Literacy Pittsburgh students throughout the application, admission, and persistence process.
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.
