Lead to Read KC

Lead to Read KC was launched in 2011 by Lynn and Jean Rundle. Both former teachers, Lynn and Jean mentored and tutored teens. They realized that many of these very intelligent kids couldn’t read fluently – and a few barely could spell. There had to be a way to help. Lynn and Jean believed the problem wasn’t just that the kids weren’t reading; it also was that reading didn’t seem relevant to them. After months of research, plus consultation with school principals, teachers, community groups and community members, Lynn and Jean developed Lead to Read KC. Beginning with a handful of volunteers in several Kansas City-area schools, Lead to Read KC has grown into Kansas City’s largest literacy volunteer corps. We now connect nearly 1,800 elementary students with adult Reading Mentors in more than 31 high-need schools across the metropolitan area, providing more than 500 hours of literacy support each week. Become a Reading Mentor –apply today!

Lead to Read KC connects trusted, caring adult volunteers (called Reading Mentors) with students in first, second and third grade. For 30 minutes over one lunch hour each week, Reading Mentors and students explore the world by reading books provided by the students’ teachers, in the safety and security of elementary school classrooms.