Our students, tutors, staff, and organization had a fantastic year because of you! In this recap article, I want to share some things happening behind the scenes that propel our organization and our students to even greater success.
During the past year, Literacy Pittsburgh experienced significant change and growth. One notable shift was an increased focus on infusing our vision of a more inclusive and productive community into our day-to-day work. This vision formed the basis of our diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) plan launched last year. In fact, this DEIA plan has become a core component of our organizational strategy because it is essential to increasing our impact. Our collective well-being depends on welcoming diverse cultures and perspectives. You can read more about our DEIA plan at this webpage.
With DEIA at the center, we established three new departments to accelerate the achievement of our strategic plan goals and, in turn, our students’ goals. These departments—Human Resources, Workforce Programs, and Student Services—each seek to support students and staff as they work to build better lives. Six new positions were added to create these new departments. We anticipate adding at least two more positions in 2023. At present, our professional staff totals 60 talented and dedicated individuals.
This growth highlighted the need to align internal plans, goals, and operations internally. A series of staff leadership workshops focused on building, clarifying, and aligning goals while also developing the change management skills of supervisors. DEIA goals and training have also been integrated. More work in these areas will be part of our 2023 agenda so that our collective efforts can improve the lives of our students with efficiency and effectiveness.
To ensure these initiatives create the changes we intend, we began to utilize multiple feedback loops last year. Regular pulse surveys are now conducted with staff, students, and volunteer tutors. The findings from these surveys allow agency leaders to adjust tactics and timelines to improve processes and outcomes for students, staff, and volunteers. We already see that these changes are increasing our impact on the lives of those at the heart of what we do—our students, staff, and volunteers. We can’t wait to see what the future holds. Thank you for helping us to create better lives through learning.
With gratitude,.jpg)
Carey Harris
Chief Executive Officer
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.
