12 years of 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 advancing our literacy platform and mobilizing community volunteers.
Why? Fewer than half of Kansas City, Missouri third graders are reading on grade level. In many high-need 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 this short video to learn more about Lead to Read KC's mission and the impact of our program — and how easy it is to get involved.

What We Do

  1. Recruit mentors icon
    Provide reading and mentoring support to students in first through third grade who attend high-need schools.
  2. School icon
    Provide individualized tutoring by certified teachers.
  3. GitHub icon
    Distribute books — and provide social-emotional support via author partnerships.

What's New

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Get Ready for Get Schooled!

Tickets go on sale March 18 for our fifth-annual Get Schooled fundraising event, which will take place at the iconic Union Station on Friday, June 9. The evening will include cocktails, delicious food, fun games, a live auction and more! Learn more at getschooledkc.org and become a sponsor today!


Lead to Read KC Hosts Reading Rally Featuring Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes inspired thousands of area students to read outside of school during a Reading Rally hosted by Lead to Read KC at the T-Mobile Center on March 15th. With the help of emcee Douglass Walker, the Super Bowl MVP led chants and answered student questions about reading and playing football. Visit our In the News page to watch the coverage and find other recent news stories.


Buy a Lead to Read KC T-shirt

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? How about your support for Lead to Read KC? Well, now’s your chance! Order a T-shirt to help spread the word and support our mission to advance children’s literacy in Kansas City!


Celebrate your Birthday with Lead to Read KC

Do you have a January birthday? Click here to find out how you can celebrate with Lead to Read KC and get a sweet treat for yourself!

Our Impact: 2022-23 School Year

1,340

students received mental health-themed author visits

1,015

students paired with 1,100+ Reading Mentors

24

schools served

16,822

books distributed

558

students received online personalized tutoring from a certified teacher

25,395

reading and mentoring sessions completed
Learn more >

Blog

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