Literacy Pittsburgh

The mission of Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council is better lives through learning.

More than 172,000 adults in our area lack the reading, writing or math skills needed to read a utility bill, complete a job application, read a note from a child's teacher or understand the instructions on a prescription bottle. Through GPLC's Adult Basic Education program, men and women receive free instruction in reading, writing, math, GED preparation, health literacy, computers and workforce skills. Some students work one-on-one with volunteer tutors and others are enrolled in classroom instruction. Because of your generosity, these students move off welfare, obtain jobs that allow them to support their families, make more informed health decisions, encourage their own children in school, and vote for the first time, among many other accomplishments.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: MEET YERALDIN 

Yeraldin moved to the United States from Colombia in May 2022. Yeraldin sought to expand her knowledge, experience American culture, and improve her English. Her now wife joined her here through the same program. “What I like best about Pittsburgh is that it’s a city full of opportunities,” she says. "It’s very beautiful and there’s always something to do. It has a strong and welcoming community. Literacy Pittsburgh helped me learn about American work culture, job industries, and improve my interview and job search skills. Classes were always professional, dynamic, and focused on real needs. The teachers were excellent — always well prepared and encouraging participation.”

FAMILY LITERACY: MEET MA
"My name is Ma Myint San and I’m from Myanmar (Burma). I came to the United States in 2014. I have two daughters aged 10 and 7. Literacy Pittsburgh has helped me and my family a lot. Because of this organization, our English skills improve. I was able to get a free GED class for me, and I was able to continue my education. I had the opportunity to attend story time for the children and it was very helpful. For immigrants like us, Literacy Pittsburgh is very helpful and guides us in our lives to move forward."


GED PREPARATION: MEET MICHAEL
After falling a few credits short of graduating from high school, Michael decided to drop out. His turning point came in 2005, when his cousin encouraged him to enroll in GED preparation classes. He earned his high school equivalency shortly after, launching a journey that took him from a career as a UPMC nurse to graduating from Duquesne Law School. Reflecting on the credentiathat started it all, Michael explains: “I don't think a GED necessarily tells you what you know or you don't know, but it gives you the key to unlock whatever it is that you want to unlock.” Now serving the public as an assistant county solicitor, Michael credits his journey to keeping an open mind about his education and future: “I've kind of learned, don't ever close your eyes on an opportunity because you never know what could present itself tomorrow.”