Our blog is like a choose-your-own-adventure book, with a great Lead to Read KC story on every page. Read recent posts and explore an archive dating back to 2012.
Stacy Tinner, a staff civil engineer at Burns & McDonnell, has discovered a profound sense of purpose through volunteering with Lead to Read KC. Inspired by the impact of mentors in his own life, he joined the program in September 2023 and returned this year as a...
Does October get you in the spirit for warm (maybe pumpkin flavored) beverages, cozy sweatshirts, and making more time for reading? Me too. You should see my to-be read stack! Through incredible community support, we are currently approaching 1,600 volunteers across...
While the temperatures might still be making some of us sweat, for me, it’s officially fall; leaves are turning hues of red, Halloween candy is tempting us from the shelves, and students across Kansas City are meeting their Reading Mentors. Every week, 1,400 members...
Mention Lead to Read KC in a crowded room and it’s likely two or three people will proudly exclaim ”I’m a Reading Mentor!” Ask them why they volunteer and you’re likely to hear, “It feels like I’m making a difference.” That’s exactly what Lisa Phillips says about the...
When Linda Zesch heard about Lead to Read KC from Rotary Club 13, she was immediately drawn to the program because of her concerns about the literacy crisis. “In grade school I loved reading and now I really believe I can help kids love it too.” says Linda. She...
The month of July comes with impact reports on the past year and ambitious plans for the next year. For me, it always feels important to pause and pull up, to think about the big picture and how our impact is adding color to the picture we’re all trying to craft. For...