For Kevin Brand, retirement wasn't about slowing down; it was about helping others move forward.
After retiring and moving to Pittsburgh, Kevin and his wife began looking for meaningful ways to become involved in their community. A longtime tutor, Kevin, wanted to continue doing work he found rewarding. In 2021, that search led him to tutoring with Literacy Pittsburgh, where he quickly discovered both purpose and connection.
In 2023, Kevin attended our annual GED graduation ceremony, an experience that would become a turning point in his journey with us.
“I was especially moved by the open mic segment,” he shares. “Hearing students and their families talk about what this achievement meant to them really stayed with me.”
Those stories of perseverance and transformation inspired Kevin to become even more involved. Shortly afterward, he met with CEO Carey Harris to learn how he could contribute at a greater level, eventually joining the Board of Directors.
While Kevin supports Literacy Pittsburgh through board service and philanthropy, tutoring remains at the heart of his experience. As a math tutor, he brings both patience and enthusiasm to his students and is quick to challenge the idea that math has to be intimidating. “Math can be fun—yes, really,” he says.
For Kevin, the most meaningful moments are often the simplest. “When a student suddenly says, ‘I understand this now!’ that’s everything.”
Those breakthroughs build confidence and often lead to bigger milestones, whether passing the GED or reaching other personal and professional goals.
Experiences like these are why Kevin believes supporting adult learners isn't just rewarding; it's essential.
“Do it. Start sooner rather than later,” he says to anyone considering getting involved. “You don't need teaching experience, and you don't have to be extroverted. Literacy Pittsburgh gives you the support and resources you need, and you can easily adapt to those based on your student abilities. At Literacy Pittsburgh, we try to meet students where they are to help them reach their goals.
His commitment extends beyond volunteering. As a donor, Kevin understands that financial support helps ensure more learners can access life-changing programs and services.
“Tutoring lets me see the impact firsthand,” he says. “Giving financially helps ensure more learners have access to those same opportunities.”
With increasing pressure on government funding, Kevin believes community support is more important than ever.
“It's a critical time,” he notes. “Community members stepping up, whether by volunteering or donating, can truly make a difference.”
“Adult learning is hard,” he explains. “Many students are balancing jobs, taking care of children or parents, and navigating complex support systems, all while trying to study. That's a lot to deal with.”
He believes the broader community can help ease those burdens. While many organizations, including Literacy Pittsburgh, are working to meet these needs, the demand remains high.
For Kevin, the impact of Literacy Pittsburgh is clear, and so is the opportunity for others to be part of it.
Whether through volunteering, giving, leadership, or simply spreading the word, Kevin's journey demonstrates how community support creates opportunities for adult learners to succeed. Through his service, philanthropy, and advocacy, he is helping ensure more students have the resources they need to move forward.
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.
