Lead to Read KC is a Kansas City-based program designed to help children in first through third grades improve their basic reading skills and attitudes toward education. The program involves adult community volunteers who provide one-on-one reading once a week with students in under-resourced elementary schools. The Lead to Read KC program involves more than 1,100 volunteers and serves more than 15 schools throughout the greater Kansas City area.

Working closely with the Lead to Read KC program leaders, the UERC evaluated the program outcomes of reading achievement, attitudes about reading and development of social skills, and perceptions of volunteer Reading Mentors, participating teachers, and school administrators. The evaluation reports and a series of data-informed conversations with program staff helped Lead to Read KC and its school partners refine practices to ensure effective and efficient use of resources and maximum benefit for students.