Reading is Leading is a national program with the Mortar Board Honor Society. This is an event that the Purdue Mortar Board hosts annually, bringing 200 elementary school students from West Lafayette/Lafayette to Purdue’s campus where students participate in a series of activities lead by Purdue student volunteers.

The Reading is Leading program intends to serve the local community and make a difference in children’s lives by engaging with elementary school students to excite a passion for reading.  In addition, the program focuses on creating excitement for learning, ambition for college, and pride for Purdue. Student leaders from across campus including ROTC members, musicians, researchers, and athletes serve as “Celebrity Readers,” reading their favorite books to the elementary students.  The children also play hopscotch with sight words, write, and learn cheers, song, and dances that highlight the importance of reading.

In the past Reading is Leading has had an important impact on young students. Teachers discuss that they have been very grateful for their students’ improved attitudes towards reading and school after attending Reading is Leading. Purdue University student participants also are grateful for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students in the surrounding community.  It is truly a special event for Purdue and Mortar Board alike.