If you walk into the historic building that houses Crossroads Academy Quality Hill on a Wednesday at midday, you’ll likely see dozens of well-dressed adults gathering in a classroom, animatedly chatting about their mornings and preparing to meet their reading buddies.
Just steps away, second- and third-grade students eagerly await the arrival of the dozens of Reading Mentors who will take over their classrooms for 30 minutes of one-to-one reading. Among them are more than a dozen dedicated UMB employees, many of whom have volunteered at Quality Hill and nearby schools for years—making a lasting impact.
That half hour of reading may seem small, but it represents something much greater. Study after study has shown that reading proficiency in third grade is a critical predictor of long-term academic and life success. The ability to read fluently opens the door to learning in every subject, builds confidence, and fosters a lifelong love of books. For many students, reading with a mentor is also a moment of stability, encouragement, and meaningful connection.
UMB understands this. 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.
“Lead to Read KC perfectly blends reading, working with kids, and volunteering in a way that’s flexible,” said Ben Bravence, UMB Portfolio Manager and Lead to Read KC Board of Directors Treasurer. “Being within a short drive or walk of a few schools makes volunteering accessible. Combine the accessibility with a 30-minute weekly commitment, and it makes signing up easy.”
The ease of volunteering can get UMB associates in the door, but it’s the students–and power of reading–that bring them back.
“When I first joined in 2018, I didn’t realize how close I’d become with the students I worked with,” said Bravence. “Building this relationship not only makes reading more fun, but it is what keeps me coming back week after week.”
Fellow UMB Portfolio Manager Will Arnold echoes the sentiment:
“What my first reading buddy needed most was a consistent role model in his life. Seeing his face light up every week as I walked into his classroom was a powerful reminder of why I became a Reading Mentor.”
Much like Bravence, Arnold’s experience as a Reading Mentor fueled his passion for service, inspiring him to join the Lead to Read KC Associate Board and deepen his engagement.
“I wanted to be more involved in something that truly makes a difference in our community.”
That sense of purpose has made UMB a model corporate partner. Over the years, the company has gone beyond volunteerism—making significant financial contributions, hosting book drives, and encouraging its employees at every level to step up for Kansas City’s young readers. It’s not just a partnership; it’s a sustained commitment to building a more literate, equitable, and connected community.
And for many UMB mentors, the impact is deeply personal. As Bravence puts it, “There have been many memorable moments over the years, but probably the most special was after my daughter was born, and all my student wanted to see was pictures of her. Each week, I’d need to come in with updated photos, or I’d have a slightly perturbed reading buddy for the rest of the session. It was a good reminder of how the relationships you build with your students are a two-way street, with you not only investing in their lives but them investing in yours too.”
That mutual investment of time, care, and trust is what makes Lead to Read KC thrive. And with committed champions like UMB leading the way, the future looks a lot brighter for Kansas City students.
