United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC) is proud to announce the return of its 16th Annual Read Across Kenosha: A Community Literacy Event, taking place on Thursday, March 5, 2026. This signature event brings together volunteers, educators, and community partners to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading among students across Kenosha County.
Read Across Kenosha is a community-wide effort that connects volunteers with classrooms serving pre-kindergarten through third-grade students, reinforcing the importance of early literacy and positive reading experiences. UWKC aims to engage more than 200 volunteers to read to students in schools across the county.
Volunteers can register now at www.kenoshaunitedway.org/read-across-kenosha-event.
Read Across Kenosha Event Details
Volunteers will begin the morning at Gateway Technical College (3520 30th Ave) with check-in at 7:30 a.m., followed by a brief kick-off meeting at 8:10 a.m., where they will receive event materials, reading resources, and a light breakfast. Classroom reading sessions will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at participating schools throughout Kenosha County.
Schools participating in this year’s event include Kenosha Unified School District schools, along with Bristol School District, Salem Consolidated Grade School, Riverview School, and All Saints Catholic School. Educators throughout Kenosha County are invited to participate and welcome volunteer readers into their classrooms.
Each participating classroom will receive two featured, age-appropriate books to add to their classroom libraries, including The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson and A New Kind of Wild by Zara Gonzalez Hoang, ensuring students can continue to enjoy reading long after the event concludes.
“Read Across Kenosha is one of our most meaningful community traditions,” said Sierra Dlamini, Director of Resource Development at United Way of Kenosha County. “Seeing hundreds of volunteers come together to support literacy reminds us how powerful community partnership can be. Every book placed into a child’s hands and every story shared helps build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
In Kenosha County, only 49% of third-grade students read proficiently at grade level, underscoring the critical need for early literacy support. United Way of Kenosha County works year-round to address this challenge through strategic investments, tutoring programs, and community-based literacy initiatives.
“Literacy is foundational to a child’s success in school and in life,” said Carolynn Friesch, CEO of United Way of Kenosha County. “Read Across Kenosha allows us to mobilize our community in support of our youngest learners. We are grateful to our volunteers and sponsors who help make this day possible and who share our commitment to improving literacy outcomes across Kenosha County.”
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
United Way of Kenosha County extends sincere appreciation to this year’s generous sponsors: ULINE, Johnson Financial Group, Gateway Technical College, Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc., Herzing University, Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency, and UW-Parkside.Their support makes it possible to provide books, materials, and resources that directly impact students and classrooms throughout our community.
Get Involved
Community members are encouraged to volunteer, donate, or learn more by visiting www.kenoshaunitedway.org/read-across-kenosha-event.
For additional information, please contact:
Sierra Dlamini
Director of Resource Development
United Way of Kenosha County
(262) 671-2208
sdlamini@kenoshaunitedway.org
Together, we can make a difference — one book, one student, and one story at a time.
About United Way of Kenosha County
United Way of Kenosha County is committed to connecting diverse voices and maximizing resources to collectively strengthen and uplift Kenosha County. For 100 years, UWKC has unified voices and amplified impact with a vision of an equitable Kenosha County. Through partnerships and collaborations, UWKC both supports local initiatives with an annual community investment process and manages programs such as Readers are Leaders, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Day of Caring, and more.
