Don't miss our September 20 Lunch & Learn! Learn more in the article below. 

Many thanks to all our Reading Mentors for their support, dedication and flexibility as we continue to enhance our program―and find new ways to help students catch up and keep up on their reading skills.

To ensure our Reading Mentors and students stay safe, all reading sessions this semester will be virtual. We'll be using an upgraded Hoot Reading program so we can serve our students who need reading and mentoring support now, more than ever. To become successful readers, students need practice and a supportive adult. Lead to Read KC's digital program provides both. 

Most schools have October start dates. You can view our current schedule here. If you've been a Reading Mentor in a prior school year, there’s no need to reapply. Email Hayley your preferred reading session(s). Not on our roster and want to get involved? Apply here. 

Please stay tuned for more details about our program. We are eager to relaunch our traditional in-classroom program when the time is right. 

Join us downtown at the PARK(ing) Day Festival on September 18! As part of our Reading Is Everywhere initiative to get more books to children in our community, Lead to Read KC is partnering with KC Streetcar and local children's book author Nikiyah Crosdale. Learn more. 

And, we have continued to expand our reach, sharing books at four nonprofits, two barbershops and salons, as well as three retail locations.

We've added a tutoring program! Through Hoot Tutoring, students receive online personalized instruction from an experienced, certified classroom teacher. We are thrilled to continue the program at six schools this fall after a successful pilot this summer.

Although our program is a little different these days, our mission to support students' social, emotional and reading skills remains the same. Thank you for all you do!

Please join us on September 20 from noon - 1:30 p.m. for Connections Matter, a Virtual Lunch & Learn presented by the Kansas Children’s Service League. 

This half-minute video shows how powerful the connection between a student and Reading Mentor can be. Please spread the word!

Wow—what a night! MANY THANKS to all the donors, sponsors, event partners, attendees and volunteers who made Get Schooled: Cheers to 10 Years! such a wonderful evening and successful event! 

We are SO grateful for our community's generous support that helped us achieve our fundraising goal. 

Special thanks to: our presenting sponsor SKC Communications and all our generous sponsors; event chairs Julie and Jeff Pierce, and Tray and Lisa Vedock; emcees Haley Harrison and Len Jennings of KMBC 9 News; and the event planning committee. This fundraising event is critical to our mission to serve students. 

You’re part of something special—you’re part of our community—and your support helps Lead to Read KC students build a brighter future!

PARK(ING) DAY FESTIVAL | Join us in Downtown KCMO on Sept. 18 for children's book read-alouds and crafts. Learn more.

VIRTUAL LUNCH & LEARN | Sign up today for Connections Matter, our Sept. 20 Lunch & Learn. 

EQUITY BANK | Through its Bank on Reading program, Equity Bank is donating $25 for each new checking account opened between Aug. 16 - Sept. 30 toward the purchase of new books for children in our community. Many Kansas City-area branches are directing their donations to Lead to Read KC!

ROCKCREEK BREWING CO. | Visit Rockcreek Brewing Co. in Mission. All tips Rockcreek collects during September will be donated to Lead to Read KC! 

STAY UP TO DATE | Follow Lead to Read KC on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. If you're a Reading Mentor, please watch for updates from your Site Coordinator about our fall program launch.