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 for community engagement to improve reading skills, especially for children affected by the pandemic. The summit, the first of its kind, seeks to involve the community in efforts to enhance literacy in St. Joseph and drive positive change in the region. Community volunteer Jeanne Daffron stressed the importance of local action to address the widespread issue of literacy across the state and nation.