The St. Joseph Literacy Summit aims to address declining literacy rates in Missouri by bringing together educators, business leaders, and nonprofit partners to discuss the importance of literacy. Carol Burns, chair of St. Joseph Reads, highlighted the national crisis of declining literacy rates and emphasized the need to raise awareness in the community. The summit also focuses on helping children catch up on reading skills after setbacks from the pandemic and engaging the community in literacy initiatives. Community volunteer Jeanne Daffron stressed the importance of local efforts to improve literacy and drive real change in St. Joseph.