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
Provide reading and mentoring support to students in first through third grade who attend high-need schools.
Provide individualized tutoring by certified teachers.
Distribute books — and provide social-emotional support via author partnerships.
Join usat Ludo’s Shuffleboard Bar on Tuesday, August 16 — and bring a potential Reading Mentor! Stop by between 5-7 p.m. to mix and mingle with our staff and board, meet our community partners — as well as our volunteers. Learn more.
You can take your friends and family to The K all season long while supporting the children Lead to Read KC serves. Go to royals.com/communitypartners, and enter the Lead to Read KC promo code Read2022! to purchase your tickets for any Royals Community Partner Home Game. You get a discount on tickets — and $3 from each ticket will be donated to Lead to Read KC! Win-win! Learn more.
Reading Is Everywhere(SM)
We have expanded our reach to get even more books into the hands of young readers! Our community partners now include more than two dozen social service agencies, hair salons, barber shops, restaurants and retailers — making books more accessible to children outside of schools and libraries. Learn more.
Our Impact: 2021-22 School Year
1,032
students received mental health-themed author visits
553
students paired with 696 Reading Mentors
20
schools served
10,602
books distributed
515
students received online personalized tutoring from a certified teacher
