While carving out time to volunteer can be tough, UMB has built a culture where service is a shared priority, and partnering with Lead to Read KC makes giving back easy.
Blog
Our Collective Impact: One Student, One Story at a Time
As we gear up for a new school year, we’re celebrating the powerful progress our community made together. Here’s how we helped students turn the page on what’s possible.
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
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.”
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, 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
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.
Kansas City Reads Breakfast Photos
On April 24, Lead to Read KC held the inaugural Kansas City Reads Business Breakfast, sponsored by Hallmark.
Literacy Fueled by Fraternity
When Albert Ray first heard about Lead to Read KC, it wasn’t just another volunteer opportunity—it was a call to action.
From Brotherhood to Books
For more than a century, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Lambda Chapter, has been a leader in community service, mentorship, and education in Kansas City. When Lead to Read KC learned the fraternity was interested in introducing our Reading Mentoring program at Hogan Preparatory Academy, we couldn’t wait to partner with the respected group so rooted in service and impact.