Student Literacy Leaders Program

The Leaders Readers Network’s Student Literacy Leaders Program was established to mentor students to develop their leadership while helping provide books, supplies and projects to support early literacy at underfunded schools. Applications close September 30th for the 2025-2026 school year.

Calling all Student Literacy Leaders! Are you passionate about reading and serving your community? Do you think equitable access to books and literacy resources is a right for children? Do you want to help ensure that kids have books available that they see themselves represented in?Apply to adopt your own classroom in a Title I school to supply future leaders and avid readers brand new books!

Sign up to be a member of TLRN’s Student Literacy Leaders Program!

The Student Literacy Leaders Program (formerly student ambassador program) was established in 2014 to empower high school students to harness their leadership skills and take an active role in addressing the systemic inequities in education faced by underserved schools and communities. Student Literacy Leaders advocate for literacy resources at underserved schools in their community that help shape children’s future filled with possibilities. Student Literacy Leaders learn how to collaborate with school leaders, community members, and professionals to help ensure kids have access to books and positive reading experiences.

Student Literacy Leaders have the opportunity to adopt a classroom or entire school twice during the school year to ensure equitable literacy access for students in need.

With the help of mentors and our online video trainings we will help you and your parents work together to ensure students in your community have access to diverse and culturally relevant books.

  • Virtual opportunities to connect with other student leaders and professionals nationwide as well as learn from corporate and foundation staff  

  • Hour tracking with formal records provided  

  • Volunteer opportunities at the annual Education Celebration  

  • A meaningful experience to strengthen resumes and college applications

Through the Student Literacy Leaders Program, students:

Testimonials

Prisha Mehta

Former Student Literacy Leader, Texas

“If you value creativity, leadership, and community, or simply just want to get yourself out there and make a mark in your community, the Leaders Readers Network is for you. No matter how big or small your ambitions are, LRN has the connections and the resources to not only help you grow but to help you help others.”

Olivia Yin | Former Student Literacy Leader, New York

“Students should join our network of students because it is an inclusive and welcoming community that will help guide you to improving your leadership skills. You will be able to make a change in your own community and have hands-on experience with leadership and collaboration that is essential throughout life. Additionally, you will be able to do something you are passionate about and make a change in the lives of others.”

Ria Voodi | Student Literacy Leader, California

“Students should join our network because it gives them an opportunity to better themselves and to give back to their community. It puts into perspective just how much we take for granted and how others aren't always as fortunate. Joining LRN is definitely one of the best decisions you can make to further your leadership and to help others - while learning so much about networking and giving back.”

Students, this is an unforgettable experience.

Darin Iraj

Former Student Literacy Leader, New York

“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

Cristina Pietromonaco 

“It has helped me understand issues regarding equity affecting students' literacy in different communities and possibly in my future classrooms as a future educator. But has also allowed me to understand how to partner with organizations to alleviate the issue and take action by creating a student-led conference to inspire students to become a part of the very program that has given me so much.”