Blog
We’re 82% to Goal, But 500 Kids Still Need You
We’re 82% to Goal, But 500 Kids Still Need You

So far 1,450 volunteers have committed to being Reading Mentors for the 2025-26 school year. That puts us at 82% of our goal—an incredible milestone. We’re deeply grateful to each of them. But 500 students are still waiting.

A Powerful Partnership in Kansas City, Kansas
A Powerful Partnership in Kansas City, Kansas

While there are plenty of opportunities for Kansas City, Kansas police officers to interact with young people, Lead to Read provides the powerful opportunity to build trusted relationships over time through Reading Mentoring.

Because of You: 29,004 Moments That Mattered
Because of You: 29,004 Moments That Mattered

Thanks to your dedication, we were able to serve 31 schools across Kansas City during the 2024-25 school year. And, with your continued support, we aim to expand to three more schools.

“I never want to miss a week.”
“I never want to miss a week.”

A proud Kansas City resident and longtime American Century Investments employee, Alane Watts discovered Lead to Read KC during her company’s Volunteer Appreciation Week.

One Year In
One Year In

One year in, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned how fiercely this city loves its kids. I’ve learned how many people care about literacy. And I’ve learned that when we work together, we can build something powerful.

American Century: Impacting KC Students
American Century: Impacting KC Students

The heart of Lead to Read KC’s mission is finding partners who share our belief that all students deserve to read. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us from the very beginning is American Century.