Literacy Pittsburgh has had a long-standing relationship with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), including offering GED prep classes at multiple sites. In November 2023, we launched digital skills classes at the newly opened Verizon Community Forward Homewood-Brushton Adult Learning Center at CCAC Homewood-Brushton. This center was created by Verizon in partnership with Neighborhood Allies to help bridge the digital divide, provide people in under-resourced Pittsburgh communities with access to technology, and offer computer skills training in an increasingly digital world.
We are excited to expand our digital literacy courses to a new location. We currently offer Internet Basics, Computer Basics, and Introductory Microsoft Word and Excel classes at this site. Our classes utilize the Northstar digital literacy curriculum and are designed to help beginners succeed with computers. During the first cohort, we served 15 students. Eleven students earned a Northstar Certificate, with five students earning two Northstar Certificates. A new cohort begins this month.
"The partnership between CCAC Homewood-Brushton and Literacy Pittsburgh is invaluable to building the foundation for alleviating the digital divide in the Pittsburgh region," said Juel L. Smith, EdD, MS, Associate Dean of Sciences, CCAC. "The courses offered provide an affordable opportunity for those seeking a non-credit option to establish their knowledge of technology in a welcoming and supportive environment."
Literacy Pittsburgh's digital literacy program seeks to improve digital equity in the region by offering free basic digital skills classes and workshops. By partnering with CCAC Homewood-Brushton, we can serve a new neighborhood and minimize transportation barriers, allowing adults to access our services at a convenient location. These classes provide an essential bridge for individuals who wish to take advantage of the enhanced STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning and career development opportunities at the Center.
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.
