JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (October 14, 2026) — Youth Link Southern Indiana brought its Readers with Leaders program to Pike Elementary School on Tuesday, October 13, with special guest volunteers Donna Reed and Bill Burns, members of the City Council, spending the afternoon connecting with students through reading and conversation.
During the event, Reed and Burns talked with students about the role of the City Council and how local government serves the community. They then split into two groups, where each council member read a book aloud to their group of students. The students took their turn reading a book back to the volunteers, giving them an opportunity to practice their reading skills.
To wrap up the experience, each student received a book of their own to take home, encouraging them to keep reading long after the event ended.
Readers with Leaders invites community leaders and local businesses to engage with students through a one-time, after-school reading experience. By bringing adults and students together around books, the program helps build connections, encourage literacy, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Through programs like Readers with Leaders, Youth Link Southern Indiana continues its mission to remove the barriers to student success by connecting students with the resources, relationships, and experiences they need to thrive.
Youth Link welcomes local businesses interested in sponsoring future Readers with Leaders events. Businesses can contact Youth Link Southern Indiana to learn more about bringing this experience to students in their community.
About Youth Link Southern Indiana
Youth Link Southern Indiana works to remove the barriers to student success by partnering with schools, families, and community organizations. Through academic support, mental health services, basic needs assistance, and enrichment opportunities, Youth Link helps students access the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Media Contact:
Christina Gutowski
Development and Marketing Manager
812-280-0028
Add a Comment