As part of Bank of America’s “Making an Impact” initiative, they develop strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations focused on issues fundamental to economic mobility in low- and moderate-income communities. 71% … Read More
WITS Program 2024-25: Boosting Student Reading Proficiency
We’re excited to share some great news from the 2024–25 student program year. WITS students made amazing progress in reading and built strong, positive connections with their mentors. Here’s a … Read More
WITS Stands with Students and the CPS Community
WITS is the largest provider of literacy enrichment programming and corporate partnerships in Chicago Public Schools, delivering free programs that support both students and teachers. This fall, WITS has welcomed over 450 students and volunteers … Read More
Why Orientation Matters: Making the Most of Your Volunteer Journey
“Orientation? Again? No, please.” Many volunteers tend to view orientations as repetitive tasks that lack excitement or engagement levels in their volunteer experiences; however, they play a crucial role in … Read More
WITS programs double the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) average of reading proficiency
As CPS faces an almost $1 billion budget deficit, WITS continues to be the only in-school reading mentorship program that is free for CPS schools and families. WITS was founded … Read More
Specialized Reading Interests and Academic Success
WITS believes that literacy is the foundation on which all other learning develops. One of the tenets of our mission is to empower Chicago elementary students to discover themselves through … Read More
Bank of America: A Successful Year in Mentoring
This past May, Chicago Bank of America WITS (Working in the Schools) mentors celebrated the end of an amazing year of Mid-Day Mentoring at Walsh Elementary School. Each elementary student … Read More
CPS Strategic Plan & WITS Mission: How They Align
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently unveiled its five-year strategic plan, Together We Rise. Over the past year, members of the WITS staff provided input through surveys, town halls, and focus … Read More
Mentoring Students in Chicago: Interview with Alex Van Tiem
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr. Volunteering represents a social commitment where individuals generously contribute their time and resources toward a specific objective. In … Read More
Mentoring Students in Chicago: Insights from Mentor Madison Johnson
Prior to working for an investment management firm, Madison Johnson was a school program director at a thriving nonprofit in Iowa City. Upon moving to Chicago and joining corporate America, … Read More
