Lead to Read KC is dedicated to supporting children's social, emotional and reading skills. Learn more: leadtoreadkc.org.
Launched in 2011, Lead to Read KC connects hundreds of elementary students attending high-need schools with caring adult Reading Mentors each week through our traditional in-classroom and digital reading and mentoring programs. And, we have launched Reading Is Everywhere(SM), a community book distribution initiative, and Reading For Life Author Partnerships to promote self-esteem, coping skills and wellness among the students we serve.
05/28/2026
Summer break? Not for us. ☀️
At Lead to Read KC, the work of connecting kids with books and the support they need never stops. Reading Is Everywhere keeps books within reach all summer long. Our one-on-one Tutoring program continues serving students. And behind the scenes, we're already busy planning next year's Reading Mentoring program.
Because literacy doesn't take a season off.
And with Episode 7 featuring Académie Lafayette and Truman Elementary School, that's a wrap on our Kona Ice celebration series! 🍧
Lead to Read KC wants to close out with a heartfelt thank you to all of our 2025-26 Reading Mentors. Every session you showed up for, every book you read aloud, every high-five you gave, it all added up to something real for the students you served.
We look forward to seeing you back in the fall!
It's the moments between the pages that stick with you. 📖
Watching Reading Mentors and students celebrate together at Faxon Elementary, Frontier School of Innovation, Garfield Elementary, West Park Elementary and Phillis Wheatley Elementary is a good reminder of why this work matters. These aren't just reading partners. They're role models, encouragers, and in many cases, a highlight of a child's week.
To every mentor this year: you made a difference. Full stop.
This says it better than we ever could. 💙
"My daughter’s interest and enjoyment in reading increased noticeably once she started with Lead to Read KC. She looked forward to it every week, and her reading scores improved a lot!"
Reading sessions at Gordon Parks Elementary School, Indian Creek Elementary School, and Pitcher Elementary have wrapped for the year, but the confidence, love of reading, and real relationships built along the way? Those don't clock out for summer.
05/21/2026
Reading Mentors, your feedback matters. If you haven't completed your end-of-year survey yet, now is a great time. Check your inbox for a message from [email protected] via SurveyMonkey, and if you don't see it, check your spam folder. Still nothing? Email Allison directly.
Thank you for another incredible year. See you in the fall!
05/20/2026
A big thank you to our Spring 2026 service interns from St. Teresa's Academy: Charlotte Becker, Clarabel Benben, Tessa Brasel, Johanna Carney, and Taryn Carney.
Over 11 weeks, these five juniors volunteered in our book room sorting, processing, shelving, and packing books for Reading Is Everywhere, as well as preparing materials for the Reading Rally and Reading Mentoring. The work they did keeps books moving to the kids who need them.
Thank you for all your help!
05/18/2026
One mentor. One student. A year of showing up, reading together, and building something real. Being named a United Way Impact 100 partner again helps us keep that work going, with funding that goes directly toward connecting Kansas City kids with the mentors who change their lives.
Grateful doesn't cover it, but it's a start. Thank you, United Way of Greater Kansas City!
05/13/2026
"But then who would read with me?" One student's question to her Reading Mentor says everything. Our May newsletter is packed with these moments of joy, plus a recap of Kansas City Reads: Sports Edition! and ways to keep making a difference this summer: conta.cc/4cQ5ebV
