September was a powerful month for Literacy Pittsburgh as we celebrated National Literacy Month and National Adult and Family Literacy Week with impact and purpose.
At our September 18 Open House, we honored our progress and recognized Adult Education Champions Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Jay Costa, as named by the Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE). The event featured inspiring remarks from Board Member Yaqi Wo of PPG Industries and student Diana, both of whom shared heartfelt reflections on our mission. CEO Carey Harris highlighted our growing impact—rising student enrollment, improved employment outcomes, post-secondary transitions, and certificate attainment—while acknowledging the challenges ahead and our strategic path forward.
Earlier that week, Carey joined Program Manager Terra Teets and Program Coordinator Miranda Pino in Washington, D.C., for COABE’s Flood the Hill advocacy event. They met with staff from the offices of Senator Fetterman and Representatives Lee, Deluzio, and Reschenthaler to champion federal investment in adult education. We proudly presented Adult Education Champion awards to Senator John Fetterman and Congresswoman Summer Lee, emphasizing that every dollar invested in adult education yields a $6 return in increased revenue and reduced costs.
With budget gridlock at both state and federal levels, your voice matters more than ever. Stand with us by advocating for public investment at the federal and state levels, recruiting volunteers, or making a financial contribution to support our work during these critical times.
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.
