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.
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 ourIn the Newspage 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
Congratulations to Patrick Mahomes on being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, his second MVP honor so far this year! He was named MVP by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) last month. Mahomes heads into the Super Bowl having led the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns in 2022, but he’s also… Read More