Working in the Schools

Working in the Schools, known as WITS, is a Chicago nonprofit that runs literacy-based mentoring in Chicago Public Schools. Its office is at 160 N. Franklin St. in the Loop, while programs take place at partner elementary schools and workplaces. WITS describes itself as the largest provider of in-school and after-school literacy mentorship programs in CPS. Along with mentoring, the group works on teacher professional development and getting books into students’ hands. Hundreds of volunteer mentors take part each year, many through their employers.

What to know

• Programs include WITS Mid-Day Mentoring, WITS Kindergarten and WITS Workplace Mentoring.
• Individuals join a prospective volunteer list through the Volunteer Interest Form on the WITS site.
• Corporate volunteers usually sign up through their company’s WITS program contact.
• Mentoring takes place at partner schools, not at the Loop office.