Letterhead will only be visible on the printed PDF version of the press release, in place of the "Boone County News Release" heading below.
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Kip Kendrick, Presiding Commissioner
Justin Aldred, District I Commissioner
Janet Thompson, District II Commissioner
Roger B. Wilson
Boone County Government Center
801 E. Walnut St., Rm 333
Columbia, MO 65201-7732
(573) 886-4305 (573) 886-4311
Boone County
Commission
UPDATE ACCORDINGLY
Letterhead will only be visible on the printed PDF version of the press release, in place of the "Boone County News Release" heading below.
Boone County News Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Enola-Riann White, Program Coordinator Upward Mobility
Boone County Community Services
Phone: (573) 886-4298
Email: upward@boonemo.gov
Upward Mobility Initiative Launches “Raising Readers” Campaign
COLUMBIA, Mo. (March 16, 2026) - The Upward Mobility Early Grade Literacy Workgroup has launched Raising Readers, a county-wide campaign to promote early childhood literacy and equip parents and caregivers with simple tools to build strong reading habits.
Grounded in the belief that early literacy drives long-term academic success and well-being, the campaign aims to increase community interest, remove barriers, and expand opportunities for young children to develop literacy skills. Rather than creating new programs, Raising Readers connects and strengthens existing efforts across schools, libraries, nonprofits, childcare providers, and family-serving organizations throughout Boone County.
The campaign features the slogan “Raising Readers” and a mascot, AL the Otter, a Missouri River otter created by Columbia Public Schools student Katie Hulett and named in honor of late workgroup facilitator Alvin Plummer.
Raising Readers will promote local literacy events and resources to better connect families and partners across the county. Community members and organizations are invited to join in the effort to help every child in Boone County thrive.
Upward Mobility is the idea that everyone deserves the chance to improve their lives and economic well-being, to be valued and feel like they belong, and to have power and autonomy. Thriving communities support opportunities to boost upward mobility and aim to narrow inequities for children, youth, and adults. Upward Mobility is an initiative of the Boone County Community Services Department and is funded in part by the Boone County Children’s Services Fund.
For more information or to request materials, contact Enola-Riann White at upward@boonemo.gov or 573-886-4298.
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