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
NASCAR Chicago visits WITS School Partner Drake Elementary
Two-Time NASCAR Chicago Street Race Winner Visits John B. Drake Elementary to Help Provide Summer Reading Books to CPS Students The NASCAR Chicago Street Race and two-time Chicago Street Race … Read More
WITS Accepts Generous $500K Gift from Margaret Siber
WITS is thrilled to announce a $500,000 investment in our mission from Margaret Siber, a longtime WITS supporter and friend. This gift will allow WITS to pioneer forward in our … Read More
William H. Brown Elementary School Principal Latoya Lyons Speaks at 2024 Blackboard Affair
Latoya Lyons, Principal at William H. Brown Elementary School, took the stage at the 2024 WITS Blackboard Affair last month to address their schools’ relationship with WITS and the impact … Read More
The Hidden Cost of Illiteracy: How Low Reading Levels Impact the Economy and Society
In today’s fast-paced world, information is simplified, formats are geared towards quick consumption and click-bait headlines, and the ability to read, compare, and comprehend complex texts has become more vital … Read More
WITS Summer Books Highlights 2023
An essential part of the WITS mission is to help students build at-home libraries and foster a love of reading outside of the classroom. Through the WITS Summer Books initiative, … Read More
A Message from Ekta Panchal, 3rd Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Ekta Panchal. I am an intermediate teacher on the West Side of Chicago. I grew up on the North Side, and have always seen myself contributing … Read More
How to be a WITS All-star Fundraiser
Every spring, the WITS community comes together to raise money in support of the WITSummer Books campaign. Our Board of Directors, Associates Board, and other community members create peer-to-peer fundraising … Read More
WITS Beginnings: A Story from Founding Volunteer Ginny Carlson
Editor’s note: Ginny and Roger Carlson are long-time WITS supporters and volunteers. As WITS CEO Tena Latona espoused in 2020, “As the CEO of an organization you hope for Board … Read More
WITS – The largest provider of literacy programming
WITS began in a single classroom in 1991. Today we are the largest provider of literacy programming to teachers and students in Chicago Public Schools. There was a moment over … Read More
