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.
Using new data from our school partners comparing Lead to Read KC classrooms with non-participating classrooms at the same schools, we found that our students closed the gap to grade-level reading at nearly twice the rate of their peers during the 2025-2026 school year.
Using new data from our school partners comparing Lead to Read KC classrooms with non-participating classrooms at the same schools, we found that our students closed the gap to grade-level reading at nearly twice the rate of their peers during the 2025-2026 school year.
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For 15 years, Lead to Read KC has operated on a fairly simple belief: when a child has consistent access to books, individualized attention, and a caring adult who makes reading feel worthwhile, something changes. This year, we have more evidence than ever that it...
Only 23% of KC-area third graders read on grade level. With school weeks away, 26 of our 33 partner schools still need Reading Mentors. Here’s how to help.
When people talk about literacy, the conversation often centers on skills and for good reason. But reading proficiency is about more than skills alone. To become a reader, a child must also want to read.
Reading growth is about so much more than test scores. It doesn’t always happen quickly, and it may not be immediately visible. But as we mark 15 years of Lead to Read KC, moments of joy are proof that the impact runs deep and lasts far longer than any of us may realize.
Kansas City comes together as 3,000 students celebrate reading at the Reading Rally, building momentum toward KC Reads: Sports Edition! and a stronger future through literacy.
Lead to Read KC’s Reading Is Everywhere program exists to ensure children have access to a wide selection of free, high-interest books — because access changes outcomes.
We have more than 75 couples, 30 families, and countless coworkers and friends who choose to read together, volunteer together, and invest together. As we move through February, we invite you to join us in sharing the love.