Leaders Arise

Equipping high school students to serve as Reading Mentors in Elementary Schools.

Central Ohio schools → Outside Central Ohio →

A school-led process, built to fit the way your building already runs

Leaders Arise trains high school students in leadership, mentor, and reading support skills. Participants volunteer to serve elementary students, where they provide a consistent, caring presence that builds literacy skills and reading confidence.

School leaders complete an interest form, meet with the Leaders Arise Facilitator(s) to discuss implementation, Leaders Arise expectations, student needs, and program goals.

School leaders meeting with Leaders Arise facilitators

Schools help identify and recruit students with leadership potential who are interested in mentorship, service, and personal growth opportunities.

Students being recruited for Leaders Arise

Selected students participate in leadership development sessions and receive training to become confident reading mentors and community leaders.

Leaders Arise leadership training session

Students apply their training through literacy mentorship, volunteer experiences, and leadership opportunities while receiving continued support and coaching.

High school student mentoring an elementary reader

Program Impact: 2025-2026

high school student mentors

elementary school partnerships

80+

younger students served

Bring Leaders Arise to Your School

If you are interested in bringing Leaders Arise to your school, reach out to one of your school leaders and share the interest form with them. If you are a school leader, click below!

For Students and Families

If you are a student or family member interested in the program, a conversation with your school is the right starting point.

Central Ohio schools → Outside Central Ohio →

High school mentor reading with an elementary student

Hear from Our High School Mentors

These training sessions definitely allowed me to understand that leading means listening.

Zenith Academy, 2026

I enjoyed how we practiced ways to encourage students and also the realization that we can make an impact and strengthen students' reading and comprehension skills.

Zenith Academy, 2026

I enjoyed learning new techniques to help readers. I am someone who has younger siblings so this helped a lot with how I approach helping them with reading.

Zenith Academy, 2026

The lesson I enjoyed most was the second session where we learned about our intent versus our impact.

Zenith Academy, 2026

I enjoyed learning about leadership and sociability because it helped me to be more social and improve my English.

Zenith Academy, 2026

I really liked how you tried to relate to us and it was really interesting learning about the Science of Reading.

Zenith Academy, 2026

What High Schoolers Gain Through This Program

Supporting the mission of CTI, while uplifting high school students.

Verified Community Service Hours

Career Exploration in Education and Youth Services

Workforce Readiness Skills

Mentoring Skills

Leadership Development

Professional Communication Skills

See where Leaders Arise Shows Up

Leaders Arise partners with the Children's Tutoring Initiative program, to find Elementary schools where High School volunteers serve after they have completed training.

Learn About CTI →

Community volunteer mentoring a young reader in a partner school

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