This year, Lead to Read KC is spotlighting one community or corporate partner each month to showcase the many ways Kansas City collaborates to advance literacy. We’re kicking off the series by celebrating our longtime partner, Burns & McDonnell.
Burns & McDonnell has been a dedicated partner of Lead to Read KC since 2013, demonstrating the profound impact that corporate engagement can have on improving reading skills in Kansas City. The company recognized the vital role in the community and how partnering with Lead to Read KC aligned perfectly with their values. “Everybody in our organization started as one of those students learning to read,” reflects Charlotte Lewin, Community Relations Strategist at Burns & McDonnell. “Lead to Read KC makes it incredibly easy for us to be a part of their mission.”
What began with a small group of employee-volunteers at Boone Elementary has blossomed into a thriving outreach endeavor, with close to 400 volunteers giving more than 4,000 hours of their time since 2013. In the 2024-25 school year, there are 68 Burns & McDonnell Reading Mentors are at eight different schools, more than any other company.
By donating just one lunch hour per week, the employee-owners have become valuable mentors and role models for young students. Through their involvement they:
- Witness firsthand the difference they make, seeing how their efforts directly improve students’ reading skills and boost their self-confidence.
- Inspire a love of learning, cultivating future leaders who are better prepared to succeed in school and pursue opportunities in STEM fields.
- Strengthen the community, demonstrating how small acts of service can contribute to a brighter, more connected Kansas City.
The impact of volunteering extends beyond the classroom, creating meaningful connections that inspire both students and mentors. Katie Ketel, a Burns & McDonnell engineer shares, “Seeing the growth in my student’s confidence has been incredibly rewarding. They always greet me with a smile and are eager to read. It motivated me to join Lead to Read’s Associate Board so I can do even more.”
For many mentors, the experience is as fulfilling as it is impactful. “Watching the student’s excitement grow from session to session truly makes me feel good. Puts some positivity out into the world,” says Stacy Tinner, Burns & McDonnell engineer. “I tell everyone they can and should volunteer – there’s no reason not to.”
Being early volunteers in the Reading Mentoring program was just the beginning. Burns & McDonnell’s support over the past twelve years has included their representatives serving on the Lead to Read KC boards, company-wide book drives, helping us with recruitment, and contributing generously to our funding.
Lead to Read KC invites other companies to join Burns & McDonnell in making a lasting difference in the lives of Kansas City’s children. Go to our Ways to Act page for ideas.
“We are proud to be highlighted as a successful model to showcase how the program is easy, fun and impactful,” says Charlotte Lewin. “Our employee-owners look forward to volunteering and supporting Lead to Read KC for many years to come and we would love to see more companies get involved.”