TLRN Leads 2025 Global Youth Service Day
Multiple U.S. States & Territories — Continuing our annual tradition, The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN) proudly facilitated impactful Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) activities across numerous states and territories in 2025. This year’s efforts reached 21 school districts, supported 47 teachers, and positively impacted 6,368 students with 2,418 volunteers.
Rather than limiting the initiative to a single day, TLRN implemented GYSD and Reading Buddy activities over a strategic period between April 11, 2025 and May 11, 2025, allowing for a broader and more effective rollout of literacy-focused programming. Combining GYSD with TLRN’s Reading Buddies project allowed older students to read alongside younger students. This pairing provided all students with the opportunity to share the joy of reading together. At schools such as Paramount Terrace Elementary in Amarillo, Texas, and Reeves-Hinger Elementary in Canyon, Texas, this was a great way to build connections, boost literacy skills, and make reading a fun, collaborative experience.The success of this endeavor was made possible by the dedication of our Literacy Fellowship educators, Student Ambassadors, corporate volunteers, and Program Coordinators Ranell Garner and Amber Padilla. Through our valued partnerships with Youth Service America and First Book, TLRN distributed 6,368 books—representing an estimated wholesale value of $10,548.90 and a retail value of $105,894.76.
Volunteer engagement played a crucial role in the initiative’s success. Notably, Amarillo National Bank provided generous support that amplified our reach and impact. From the Los Angeles Unified School District in California to Escuela de Segunda Unidad Epifanio Estrada in Puerto Rico, participation in GYSD was both widespread and deeply inspiring. We are honored to work alongside such a passionate and far-reaching community of literacy advocates. Global Youth Service Day once again served as a powerful reminder of the value of this work and the strength of our growing network.