ITW is committed to supporting programs and initiatives to improve access to a high-quality education and workforce/career preparation for youth in under-resourced communities, both in our headquarters’ region of greater Chicago and around the world.
Supporting STEM Education
Our long-standing commitment to education is demonstrated through the support we provide for STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programming in schools and organizations.
ITW David Speer Academy
Since 2014, ITW has proudly sponsored the ITW David Speer Academy in memory of former ITW chairman & CEO David Speer, who passed away in 2012. The Chicago high school focuses on offering a world-class STEM education to over 1,000 students in grades 9 through 12.
From day one, the ITW David Speer Academy creates a differentiated learning experience for students. In their first two years, curriculum is focused on ensuring all students are grade appropriate. Rising juniors are then enrolled in the academy’s Summer of a Lifetime program, an enrichment program hosted on college campuses across the country that provides students with real-world experiences. In their junior and senior years, students choose an elective pathway and complete an accredited internship.
ITW’s impact extends far beyond our ongoing financial support. Our colleagues are actively involved in the school’s programs and regularly engage with its many talented students, including hosting student interns at ITW. We also collaborate and partner with other organizations to offer the students unique opportunities that enrich their overall learning experience.
