This August, Invest For Kids Chicago announced its list of 2025 Grant Recipients. Ten organizations were chosen from over one hundred applicants, and included among them is Working in the Schools (WITS), receiving an estimated $200k.

Invest for Kids supports highly impactful nonprofit organizations that serve Chicago area youth in low-income circumstances.

IFK will host their 17th annual Investable Ideas Conference in October, bringing together the investment community with world-class speakers to share their market views, industry insights, and best ideas. IFK co-founders underwrite 100% of the conference expenses, allowing all proceeds from the conference to be awarded to nonprofit partners and ongoing initiatives.

WITS CEO Tena Latona responded to this gift on social media, stating, “What a way to kick off the school year! I am beyond proud that Invest For Kids is recognizing our work. This investment allows Working in the Schools (WITS) to engage more corporate partners to deliver literacy-based mentorship to Chicago Public Schools students.” She continued by thanking Ben Kovler, Ron Levin, Barb Wolf, and Shane Morris, for believing in the mission and trusting WITS with the investment.

WITS is the largest provider of literacy enrichment programming and activator of corporate partnerships in Chicago Public Schools. WITS is comprised of over 30 Chicago elementary schools, over 30 Chicago companies, and a network of hundreds of students, teachers, and volunteers.

This year, students in WITS programs doubled the grade-level proficiency average of CPS students. 62% of WITS students had met or exceeded the national standard for reading level proficiency in their grade level, and 91% of WITS students reported having positive attitudes towards reading at the end of the school year.

Support WITS by donating to our mission, and you can support Invest For Kids Chicago by attending their Investable Ideas Conference on October 21st.