WITS values student growth, which we measure through two outcomes: reading level growth and attitudes toward reading. One way that students show reading level growth is through increased confidence that … Read More
Letter From a Parent
I hope you are having a good morning. I am the mother of a WITS student that participants in the WITS program through the partnership with Manuel Perez Elementary School. … Read More
Importance of Summer Reading
Soon, the days will be sunny, the breezes will be warm, and the afternoons will be lazy. Summer is coming for Chicago and there’s no better summer activity than reading … Read More
Benefits of Mentoring for Retired Adults
There are many benefits to mentoring especially for older retired adults. At WITS we’re lucky to work with over 1500 volunteers of different ages, backgrounds and life experiences. From partners … Read More
The Importance of Reading Aloud
March is National Read Aloud Month, a time to reflect on the importance of reading aloud. When was the last time you listened to someone read aloud? Do you remember … Read More
The Many Benefits of Libraries
Since I was a child, libraries have represented opportunity – the possibility of a hearty laugh, a transformative idea, or an imaginative journey. I could sense the wealth of knowledge … Read More
Building Relationships Between Corporations and Neighborhood Schools
The WITS Mission WITS sets students on a trajectory for success by building critical literacy skills and developing positive self-identity through teacher led literacy professional development and volunteer powered mentorship … Read More
Meg Hiestand: Why I choose WITS
WITS has the most generous and invested donors in the city of Chicago. Meg Hiestand, Chicago White Sox Coordinator of Community Relations, has been a champion of WITS for four years. Read why Meg chooses to … Read More
Why Invest in Mentor Relationships?
Consistency is Key One of the pillars of WITS programming is consistency. Through diligent planning, the WITS program team ensures that each WITS student has a mentor to read with … Read More
