Boone County Mentoring Partnership

08/29/2026

FOR RELEASE: Aug. 26, 2026
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Margaret Matray, communications manager, United Way of Central Indiana | t: 317.921.1313 | [email protected]

Matt Wilson, executive director, Boone County Mentoring Partnership | [email protected]

Volunteers needed in Lebanon for ReadUP literacy program
The initiative helps Boone County third graders get on track with grade-level literacy

LEBANON – Boone County Mentoring Partnership is looking for volunteers in Lebanon for the ReadUP program, a literacy initiative created by United Way of Central Indiana that sends volunteers into elementary schools to read with third graders to help them get on track with grade-level literacy.

Registration is open for those interested in volunteering, and the program will run from Sept. 14 through April.

In Boone County, 84 volunteers are needed for the 2026-2027 school year to read with 56 students across all four Lebanon elementary schools: Central, Harney, Hattie B. Stokes and Perry-Worth. Already, 68 volunteers and 10 substitutes have signed up, and only 16 volunteer spots remain to be filled at Central, Hattie B. Stokes and Perry-Worth.

Orientation will be the week of Sept. 14, and volunteers will start working with students the week of Sept. 21.

United Way is celebrating the 20th year of ReadUP this year, having launched the program in Indianapolis in 2007. Across the region last year, 308 ReadUP volunteers worked with 266 students at 23 schools in seven Central Indiana counties.
In Boone County, Boone County Mentoring Partnership has been running the ReadUP program for three school years. The nonprofit began partnering with United Way for the program in the 2024-2025 school year, growing it every year since.
Last year, 57 volunteers and five substitute volunteers worked with 38 students at three Lebanon elementary schools.

“Our LCSC teachers do an amazing job in the classroom when it comes to literacy education. ReadUP sessions provide a special one-on-one time to help students not only improve their reading skills but enhance their love for reading,” said Alisha Reeves, director of operations and programming for Boone County Mentoring Partnership. “An added perk are the relationships that they form with three committed adults who show up weekly for these kids. It is amazing what an hour a week of a volunteer's time does for two amazing third graders. The benefits go far beyond the classroom.”

ReadUP focuses on the third grade, a critical time when students shift from learning to read to reading to learn.

Last year, 80% of students who participated in ReadUP across the region demonstrated measurable growth in their literacy skills, according to reported data.

"Every student deserves the opportunity to build a bright and successful future, and strong literacy skills are an important part of that foundation,” said Kierra Hall, United Way’s senior manager of literacy initiatives. “ReadUP helps students strengthen the reading skills they need to stay on track in school, open doors to future opportunities, and reach their full potential.”

Volunteers spend one hour a week reading with two students throughout the school year. Some volunteers choose to join the program with a partner, splitting the time commitment.

Volunteers must complete a background check and a self-paced online training course. No teaching experience is required.

To learn more and register to volunteer in Boone County, visit www.boonecountymentoring.org/readup

For more about United Way’s ReadUP program across the region, visit uwci.org/readup

Volunteer now for the 2026-2027 school year at all three Boone County elementary schools.

07/31/2026

Sign-up is LIVE! ReadUP is coming to all 4 Lebanon Elementary Schools this year! This is just a one hour a week commitment to read with two 3rd graders. We need 21 volunteers per school to run the program effectively. I will provide the training and all materials needed. Have extra time? Sign up for multiple sessions! The kids love seeing their volunteers on a weekly basis. Please share with your friends. This one definitely takes a village. Click on the link to sign up. www.boonecountymentoring.org/readup

07/20/2026

In continuing our mission, we are excited to announce Boone County Mentoring Partnership is growing its programming to include the Pathways Coach, which is essentially an extension of both Mentoring and Youth Assistance but dedicated to providing support, guidance, and navigation for those between the ages of 18-22 as they encounter adulthood.

BCMP is equally excited to announce that Lori Schroeder will be the Pathways Coach. Lori recently retired from Lebanon Community School Corporation where she was the Graduation Coach at Lebanon High School for the past 13 years. Under her guidance, over 200 students who were identified as high risk of dropping out of school earned their diplomas. Prior to her time as Graduation Coach, she was a counselor/social worker at Hattie B. Stokes Elementary and Central Elementary. Lori has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and is an active Licensed Social Worker.

Lori and her husband, Jeff, have two adult children. Her favorite title now is “Mimi” as she became a grandmother in the past year. Lori enjoys spending time with family and friends in her spare time, boating, traveling, volunteering, and walking/hiking.

07/16/2026

Headed to the Boone County 4-H Fair? Be sure to stop by the Nonprofit Showcase!

Visit BCMP and other local Nonprofits to discover the many ways they're serving Boone County. It's a fun opportunity for the whole family to learn about resources, volunteer opportunities, and community programs.

📅 Monday, July 27
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Farm Bureau Inc. Community Building

🎟️ Pick up a Nonprofit Passport, visit participating booths, earn a FREE popsicle🍧, and enter for a chance to win a gift card! We hope to see you there!

06/23/2026

Congratulations to our dear friend Suzy Rich, who is recognized as the Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy recipient this year through the Community Foundation of Boone County. Suzy has been a champion and supporter for many, including BCMP, over the years. She is passionate about service and making her community a better place for others. We are grateful for Suzy and her heart for others.

05/21/2026

Today we want to recognize IGH Steel Fabrication, Inc. for their sponsorship of the Megan Hammerle Memorial 5K that took place almost two weeks ago! We are grateful for IGH's commitment to the community, especially the youth in Boone County. Their impact through their work and philanthropy sets a standard for all businesses!

05/20/2026

Today we would like to thank our friends at for their sponsorship of the Megan Hammerle Memorial 5K again this year! We are grateful for investment in the youth of Boone County.

05/19/2026

Come by this afternoon between 4:30-6:30pm to visit and see our expanded office space!

05/19/2026

Today we want to thank Eli Lilly and Company for their sponsorship of the Megan Hammerle Memorial 5K again this year. We are grateful for their investment in the youth of Boone County!

05/17/2026

Today we thank Boone Power for their sponsorship of the Megan Hammerle Memorial 5K last weekend! Again this year they sponsored the PowerUp Snack Station. We are grateful for Boone Power's continued partnership and commitment to supporting youth in our community.