OUR MISSION
Reading matters
WITS sets students on a trajectory for success by building critical literacy skills and developing positive self-identity through teacher led professional development and volunteer powered mentorship programs.
Today only 28% of CPS fourth graders are proficient readers, in 2019 that number was 40%.
In the last three years, 63% of WITS students surpassed the national average for annual reading level growth.
84% of WITS students agree that participating in WITS makes them want to read for fun more often.
A common plea heard from CPS teachers is the need for holistic, whole-school and community activation in order to provide the best support for the students and communities we serve.
78% of teachers report that they value networking with other teachers during WITS Programs.
88% of teachers are satisfied with the content of the workshops WITS offers.
WITS delivers
of literacy mentorship each year in Chicago Public Schools.
Wits provides
of literacy professional development for teachers.
WITS ADDS OVER
to the homes of students and classrooms of Rochelle Lee Teacher Awardees each year.
wits contributes
annually through volunteer hours and direct programmatic investment in Chicago Public Schools students and teachers.
of students agreed that participating in WITS made them want to read for fun more often.
