The LCLC Junior Board was created to expand the reach and impact of literacy advocacy within the Auburn and Lee County communities. Its foundation grew from early student involvement with the Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC), where volunteers experienced firsthand how access to literacy can transform confidence, independence, and opportunity. Just as importantly, these experiences highlighted the mutual impact of service, shaping both learners and those who serve them.

 

Recognizing both the need for greater awareness and the opportunity to engage more students in this work, Brentlei Barnett founded Reading for Impact, Auburn University’s first student organization dedicated to literacy advocacy. Through its partnership with LCLC, the organization created a pathway for students to participate in meaningful, service-driven initiatives across the community. As involvement grew, so did the vision for broader, more sustainable outreach.

 

In partnership with LCLC, Brentlei Barnett and Zoey Lapidus went on to establish the Junior Board of Directors to further expand outreach, strengthen community engagement, and introduce new perspectives into literacy initiatives. Today, the Junior Board is composed of student leaders committed to advancing LCLC’s mission by reaching diverse audiences, increasing volunteer engagement, and building lasting connections between Auburn University and the community it serves.