Our Programs
Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council is a national leader in adult education and family literacy. We provide educational programs for 6,200 adults and families each year in the Pittsburgh area. In addition, we serve another 8,000 learners in other cities around the nation through our AmeriCorps program. Our students become better parents, workers, and citizens as a result of these programs.
GPLC provides the following types of instructional programs:
a. Basic skills (reading, writing, math)
We offer one-to-one and classroom instruction in reading, writing and math. These classes cover a wide range of skills depending upon the needs and goals of the students. For example, some students want to read to their children and help them with schoolwork. Others want to prepare for the written driver's license exam or understand printed forms. Others are working toward a GED (high school equivalency diploma) or employment.
b. GED Preparation (for the high school equivalency diploma)
The GED exam includes five tests on Literature and the Arts, Social Studies, Science, Writing, and Math. GPLC teachers and tutors prepare students to succeed on these five tests and also teach them test-taking skills.
Note: GPLC does not give the official GED exam. We send our students to other locations to take the exam.
c. English as a second language (serving foreign-born adults)
We offer classes in conversational English for adults from foreign countries. The students range from refugees from wartorn countries to businessmen and women who have immigrated to this country. These students are eager to improve their spoken English so they can succeed with everyday living in this country. They also have a strong desire to develop their English listening, reading, and writing skills. Instructors also focus on teaching about American culture.
d. Workplace Skills Development (serving employers and employees)
For many businesses, the need to remain competitive requires that their employees accept additional work responsibilities and improve their job-related skills. GPLC custom designs educational programs that consider the objectives of the employers while satisfying the needs and goals of the employees. The benefits received by companies participating in this program have been increased productivity, improved employee morale and self-confidence, and reduced turnover.
e. Workforce preparation (serving adults on welfare)
New rules require welfare recipients to commit to personal responsibility and self-sufficiency through employment. GPLC's Workforce Preparation Program enables the adult student to acquire his or her high school equivalency diploma, become computer literate, and participate in job preparation classes.
f. Families for Learning (serving parents and young children)
In our family literacy program, children develop language and literacy skills with the support of their parents or primary caregivers, who also have the opportunity to improve their own skills. This program includes the following four elements: adult education, parent education, intergenerational literacy activities, and early childhood education. This program can literally lift families out of poverty.
GPLC has been a partner with the National Center for Family Literacy since 1995.
g. Computer skills training
In today’s technological world it is crucial for all adults to have basic computer skills, both for work and for personal development. GPLC provides a range of computer classes at two downtown Pittsburgh locations. These classes start with computer basics and the Internet and then progress to specific software applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Mid-career professionals can benefit from these classes, as well as adult literacy students.
h. Health literacy
Adults with low literacy often struggle to maintain their health due to the written forms that they must understand and fill out. They even misunderstand the instructions on prescription medications, putting their health and the health of their family members at risk.
GPLC has developed a health literacy curriculum dealing with issues that many of our students face, such as taking medications, nutrition, children’s health, diabetes, poisonous substances in the home, and other topics. This information can be added to any of GPLC’s other programs, or it can be presented as a separate class. We stand ready to present this information to community groups throughout the Pittsburgh area.
i. Southwest Professional Development Center
Click here for more information.
