The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics is proud to highlight the Read to Lead Initiative, a community engagement program overseen by Hope Pritchett Wilson, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology. The initiative is guided through the Pediatric Access and Engagement Council, which works to strengthen ties between UAB Pediatrics and the Birmingham community.
Launched in 2016, Read to Lead has grown into a signature program for the Department of Pediatrics. Wilson first joined the program as a volunteer when she came to UAB in 2018 and has since taken on leadership of the initiative. “When I joined UAB in 2018, the initiative was already in place and I first participated as a volunteer,” said Wilson. “Things slowed during COVID and more recently, as of 2024, we have resumed this program.” Her leadership has helped guide the program into its next chapter, aligning with UAB Pediatrics' broader mission of community engagement.
The inspiration for Read to Lead grew out of the council’s mission to connect UAB Pediatrics and deepen connections with local schools. “We as pediatricians do a great job at providing care to children but beyond their health care we want to ensure that the patients we care for in our local Birmingham area thrive in all aspects of their lives,” said Wilson.
Read to LeadI is a volunteer-based program where faculty, staff and trainees dedicate time to read with children in Birmingham City Schools. Initially, the program focused on first and second graders through one-on-one and small group sessions. Since restarting in 2024, the model has shifted to whole class reading with kindergarten students. The sessions typically take place during circle time, when students or teachers choose the books, though volunteers may also bring their own selections. This approach has been shaped by school leadership and allows the program to remain flexible to evolving student needs.
The program’s main goal is to impact children in meaningful ways by strengthening early literacy exposure and building strong educational foundations. Reading also broadens horizons, helping children imagine new places, possibilities and opportunities beyond what they encounter day to day.
Progress is tracked through classroom engagement and observation. Over the course of a school year, children grow more eager to participate, answer questions and share excitement during reading time. Wilson noted, “students are excited to have us each time we’re there,” a response that demonstrates the program’s lasting impact. Teachers and school leaders have also affirmed the value of the initiative as part of broader improvements in literacy across Birmingham City Schools.
The commitment to Read to Lead is mirrored by the volunteers themselves. Since its relaunch, more than 50 unique participants have signed up, a response Wilson described as “people on fire and ready to sign up.” That enthusiasm has carried the program forward, reflecting the deep desire among UAB Pediatrics faculty, staff and trainees to support the community while staying grounded in the values of compassion and service that define their work. For participants, volunteering provides more than a chance to give back, it also strengthens their sense of purpose. Many are reminded of why they went into pediatrics in the first place: to serve children not only when they are sick but also when they are thriving.
The children’s response has been just as rewarding. Wilson recalled being “hugged by 15 kids, arms and legs nearly knocking me over,” a moment that captured the joy and excitement students show each time Read to Lead volunteers walk into the classroom. Experiences like these, highlight how meaningful the program has become to students and teachers alike.
Looking ahead, the program is preparing to expand at Booker T. Washington K–8 School, where a needs assessment with leadership is underway to determine how to serve additional grade levels beyond kindergarten. UAB Pediatrics is also exploring opportunities with other Birmingham City Schools to help address gaps or needs identified by principals and teachers. “Beyond Booker T. Washington, we are looking into other schools to figure out how we can fill any gaps they see, whether it’s reading or other initiatives. Some of those efforts are expected to begin early next year,” Wilson explained.
Booker T. Washington’s motto, “We read to lead. We are going to the top,” reflects the spirit of the initiative and its growing influence. That motto also serves as a vision for the program’s future: building strong literacy foundations for children, fostering trust between schools and physicians and creating new opportunities where health, education and community come together. With strong momentum and an engaged base of volunteers, Read to Lead is poised to continue expanding its reach and impact across Birmingham.