As we close out another incredible year, I want to pause and say one thing to our volunteers, donors, and supporters: thank you.
Because of you, Lead to Read KC recorded an astonishing 14,507.5 volunteer hours and 29,004 student visits this school year. That’s 29,004 moments where a child in our community was seen, supported, and empowered to grow as a reader by an adult that chose to be in their lives.
These aren’t just numbers. They’re proof that our model works. Students with Lead to Read KC mentors show stronger reading growth – both in fluency and confidence – than their peers. It’s not magic; it’s consistency, connection and showing up.
Thanks to your dedication, we were able to serve 31 schools across Kansas City. And, with your continued support, we aim to expand to three more schools next school year, increasing our footprint to 34 schools.
If you weren’t able to serve as a Reading Mentor this year, please know you were still an essential part of our success. From leading book drives, to delivering books to our Reading Is Everywhere locations, to giving generously, so we could continue our Author Partnership program and support the staff you see in schools, you made this work possible. Your contributions fueled recruitment, community outreach, and so much more.
As we prepare for next year, we need your help to grow:
📚 Can you invite a friend to become a Reading Mentor?
🏢 Can we come to your workplace to host a volunteer info session?
💬 Can you help spread the word in your community or network?
We know that reading + mentoring together is what makes the difference. Research from MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the National Reading Panel confirms it: students make the most progress when they have both strong literacy support and a consistent, caring adult. That’s the power of our model: a good book, a great kid, and YOU.
