Started in 2010 by Ryan Yamka in honor of his late father, Junior Leader Reader (JLR) enriches early education through classroom readings and book distribution to kindergarten and pre-k students.
Junior Leader Reader was created by United Way’s Young Leaders Society - a group of young professional donors who work to build health and resilient communities through service and giving. In 2022, the program celebrated a milestone of 50,000 books gifted. Books are distributed to all elementary schools in Shawnee County with a free-and reduced lunch rate of at least 50%. JLR is part of a continuum of free access to literacy materials that begins from the moment a child is born. Jackson County has also implemented a version of Junior Leader reader in several elementary schools. Volunteer opportunities are always posted on KawValleyVolunteers.org as soon as they become available.
During the 2024-25 school year, Junior Leader Reader:
- activated more than 100 volunteer readers in two counties
- gave away 4,252 books at 23 schools
Thank you to this year's sponsors!
Shawnee County: Security Benefit, Capitol Federal, Bartlett & West
Jackson County: B&P Propane/Knotty Pine Oil, Community Health Care System, Phil & Beth McManigal, NEK Tax Services, Denison State Bank, The Farmers State Bank
VOLUNTEER TO READ
Volunteers are asked to read a book to a classroom, then distribute a copy of the book to each student in the class, and one to the classroom teacher.
Each classroom reading should take no longer than 15 minutes. Books will be available for pick-up at the United Way of Kaw Valley Topeka office (1527 SW Fairlawn Rd), 45 minutes before the reading is scheduled to begin.
SPONSOR THE PROGRAM
Junior Leader Reader is only possible thanks to the generous support of local sponsors. There are several opportunities to support the JLR program and get your business name out there. Your organization is also welcome to send representatives to participate in classroom readings and distribution of the books!
To sponsor JLR, or for any further JLR questions, please contact our Director of Workplace Campaigns or call 785.221.5117
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SPONSORSHIP LEVELS