Read about topics that we’re curious about or find compelling.
Groundhog Day is a popular observance in the United States that is meant to predict the weather. Punxsutawney Phil appears on February 2 every year, and if he is frightened by his own shadow than it signals that people can expect 6 more weeks of winter. If Phil doesn’t see his shadow, spring is on the way. While the Groundhog Day tradition isn’t scientific, current day meteorology is a highly-quantitative field where accuracy is critical.
Every December, our offices around the world come together to celebrate the season – and all of their hard work over the year. The celebrations were memorable at every DRW office. Here are a few highlights from Montreal, Chicago, London and Houston.
Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nonprofit organization with offices in Chicago, Boston, Worcester, and New York City, that helps first generation students from low-income communities get into college, graduate and find careers through one-on-one, individualized counseling provided by counselors. Bottom Line is one of the first organizations to serve students from application to college graduation with a highly structured and one-on-one approach. During the last 20 years, 80% of Bottom Line students have earned a college degree.
Summer of a Lifetime supports students by providing summer academic enrichment programs at colleges and universities throughout the country. Through this program, incoming juniors in Chicago’s Noble Network of Charter Schools explore subject areas they are passionate about, job shadow, and immerse themselves in a completely new college environment – experiencing new cities, college courses, and other students from diverse backgrounds and countries.
Jason Benetti is a compelling figure in sports media for two key reasons: he’s risen through the ranks to become the television announcer for his hometown team, the Chicago White Sox, and he has cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination, movement and balance. At a recent event in DRW’s Chicago office, Jason shared how living outside of his comfort zone has propelled him to think differently and be more successful.
Open Books is a literacy nonprofit in Chicago that focuses on the joy of reading and writing for children and youth through inspiring programs and the creative capitalization of books. Open Books gives high-quality books to schools and nonprofits across Chicagoland. Funding comes from the sale of donated books at its two store locations, online, and from the generous support of individuals.
MetroSquash is a nonprofit organization that engages underserved Chicago youth through academic support, the sport of squash and wellness, mentoring, enrichment, and community service to help develop and prepare adolescents for their next step in life — from middle school to high school to college to careers. MetroSquash students spend an average of 10 hours per week participating in the program, both after school and on weekends. To date, MetroSquash has yielded a 100% college acceptance rate among its students. Once students enter college, they’re provided with a mentor, reunion activities, and monthly communication and care packages, to name a few.
Inspiration Corporation is a nonprofit that helps people affected by homelessness and poverty in Chicago by improving their lives and increasing self-sufficiency through social services, employment training and placement and housing. Participants in the program work with a case manager to create a customized plan for them to achieve stable housing and employment.