Together we are creating a community of readers, one lunch hour at a time.

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Our Mission

To support the social, emotional and reading skills that are foundational for student success by mobilizing community volunteers to read with students in elementary schools.
Why? Fewer than half of Kansas City, Missouri third graders are reading on grade level. In many high-needs schools, it’s fewer than 25 percent. Children who are not reading by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Lead to Read KC is addressing this challenge. Learn more >
Watch KMBC's recent story to see how Lead to Read KC Reading Mentors are making a difference and how easy it is to get involved!

How It Works

  1. School icon
    1. Identify schools and students in need of reading support and mentoring.
  2. Recruit mentors icon
    2. Recruit, train and pair Reading Mentors with students in grades K-3.
  3. GitHub icon
    3. Provide students with 30 minutes of one-to-one reading support and mentoring one lunch hour each week.

What's New

Read Our Latest Newsletter

Fall Program Update

Although our program looks quite different this year, we’re thrilled to begin our tenth year of connecting Kansas City students with Reading Mentors to support the social, emotional and reading skills that are foundational for student success. With wonderful community support, we have launched our new digital reading and mentoring program in five schools: Brookside Charter, Crossroads Academy Central Street, Crossroads Academy Quality Hill, Genesis School and KIPP KC. Plans are well underway to add schools throughout the year. View the latest schedule updates here. Get a sneak peek at our digital program here. 

Follow us on social media for program updates: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter

Get Schooled

Our Get Schooled: Playing Hooky fundraiser was a big success! We’re grateful to all the sponsors, donors, community partners, party hosts, and volunteers who were instrumental in helping us exceed our fundraising goal. Thank you! Learn more.

Community Read-Aloud Keeps Kids Reading

To encourage children to keep reading while they’re away from the classroom, Lead to Read KC partnered with KMBC 9 News to create a community read-aloud video. Don’t miss Mayor Quinton Lucas and other Kansas City VIPs as they read a super-silly book!
 

Our Reach: 2019-20

58

classrooms served

9,067

hours of one-to-one reading support and mentorship provided

16

schools served

6,000+

books distributed

1,100+

students paired with a reading mentor
Learn more >

Blog

See all blog posts >