By Lesley DeVoss—
MUNCIE, IN—Heart of Indiana United Way, in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and with support from the Shafer Foundation, is celebrating the successful conclusion of the Road to Reading initiative, a summer program that brought free books and literacy resources directly to families across Muncie Promise Neighborhoods.
Launched in May 2025, Road to Reading featured the Ivy Tech RV, fully stocked with books, that traveled to four neighborhood events. Families were invited to “shop” together for books, helping children and adults alike build literacy-rich home libraries and create joyful memories around reading.
Over the course of Summer 2025, Road to Reading achieved the following:
- 1,039 total visitors at 4 neighborhood events:
- Avondale Cookout – 176 visitors
- Juneteenth Muncie – 403 visitors
- Centennial Library – 161 visitors
- Industry Cookout – 299 visitors
- At least 20 families attended multiple events
- 3,446 books distributed to children and adults
- Each child selected up to 4 books at every event
- Adults chose 2 books or literacy resources
- 45% of participants were from Promise Neighborhoods
- 337 volunteer hours donated by 46 volunteers from 12 organizations, including 6 Heart of Indiana United Way Board Members
“Access to books is critical for a child’s academic success,” said Alisa Wells, Executive Director of Community Engagement at Ivy Tech Muncie, “By giving families the opportunity to choose books they are excited about, Road to Reading supported children in maintaining reading skills during the summer and helped foster a love of learning that will last well beyond these events.”
Research shows that students who read regularly during the summer are better prepared to succeed in school in the fall. Road to Reading aimed to reduce barriers to access by meeting families where they are and ensuring that books were not only free, but also family-selected and meaningful.
“Ivy Tech is proud to partner with United Way on this initiative,” said Jeff Scott, Chancellor for Ivy Tech Muncie, “Road to Reading is a powerful example of how community collaboration can expand access to education and strengthen opportunities for families.”
“Thanks to Ivy Tech’s partnership, we were able to take reading resources right to children and their families at neighborhood summer events they love to attend. Together, we delivered joy through books and family activities and games. The outcome of which will be children better prepared for kindergarten and reading at grade level—which puts them on the road to success in school and life,” said Jenni Marsh, President and CEO of Heart of Indiana United Way.
The initiative’s success highlights the impact of collective effort, with organizations, volunteers, and families working together to create a more literate, equitable, and connected community.
For more information on Road to Reading, visit www.heartofindiana.org. To learn more about Ivy Tech Muncie visit www.ivytech.edu/muncie.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree.
About Heart of Indiana United Way
Heart of Indiana United Way mobilizes communities to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. With deep local roots, across Delaware, Madison, Henry, Randolph, and Fayette Counties, they see how challenges like preparing children for success in school and life, achieving financial stability, and helping build people’s and communities’ resilience are all interconnected. Every day, they unite people and resources to tackle core challenges and create a future where everyone everywhere can reach their full potential. Learn more at HeartOfIndianaUnitedWay.org.
