Walk into an EL Civics class at Literacy Pittsburgh, and you might see learners discussing a moment in history, evaluating online sources for reliability, learning what to bring to apply for a learner's permit, or practicing English phrases to prepare for a field trip in their community.
EL Civics is Literacy Pittsburgh's new Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) program. It serves high intermediate and advanced English learners with goals related to careers, postsecondary education, and civic and community participation. Classes meet in person and on Zoom in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
In the classroom, instructors connect language learning to community life through field trips, discussions about U.S. civics processes, and digital skills practice.
"I have enjoyed incorporating civics into my English Language Learning classes! Utilizing the curriculum has allowed students to deepen their understanding of the lessons they participate in. Students are able to use digital skills, vocabulary, grammar skills, and critical thinking to have discussions on immigration, government, historical contexts, and so much more!" says Abby Sawa, EL Civics instructor.
Fellow instructor Shirley Rykaceski agrees: "I am enjoying the digital skills and vocabulary activities. I feel they help keep students engaged while also providing a challenge. My students are really enjoying learning about U.S. history and culture, as well as exploring different perspectives on topics such as Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day."
Outside the classroom, every EL Civics learner receives one-on-one career advising and takes part in one-on-one mentoring conversations using the Pathways Checklist, a tool that documents their career and college goals. Together, they make a plan and build a portfolio so they are ready for their next steps after the program.
Terra Teets, Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, leads the EL Civics Program Improvement Team. She says, “I see how much care goes into these details. Each one helps learners leave with stronger confidence in their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as well as with a clearer path forward for their career, postsecondary, and/or community involvement goals.”
How You Can Help
Volunteers can serve as classroom aides, providing one-on-one support to learners building foundational literacy skills through our ERAS for Adults program. Learn more at the volunteer section of the website. Partners and community members can refer learners to startclassnow.org. Learners who complete the English Language Learning orientation, test at the appropriate level, have career, college, or community participation goals, and are available during class times are eligible to join EL Civics.
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 Pennsylvania's largest provider of foundational education and literacy services for adults. A nonprofit organization, it helps 3,200 individuals each year gain the skills they need to reach their full potential 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, both online and in-person. Founded in 1982, it serves adults in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
