For over two decades, Energy Express has kept children in rural and low-income areas of West Virginia reading, learning and well-nourished throughout summertime. Offered at more than 70 sites throughout the Mountain State, the West Virginia University Extension Service and AmeriCorps program takes place from June 22 to July 31.
An award-winning five to six-week summer reading and nutrition program, Energy Express helps participating children overcome the “summer slide” that occurs when youths fall behind academically during the summers in between school years. The program helps children entering Kindergarten through eighth grade maintain or increase reading skills and learn about nutritional well-being.
Participating children receive two healthy, family-style meals a day and partake in more than three hours of daily reading and learning with the help of AmeriCorps mentors and community volunteers. The program also includes time for a one-on-one reading to ensure every child has opportunity to develop individually.
According to Terri Collier, the academic success and literacy specialist with the WVU Extension Service and director of the Energy Express program, Energy Express makes a tangible impact in the lives of thousands of West Virginia youths during the summer. In 2014 alone, participating children received more than 139,500 meals, while 63 percent of participants maintained or increased reading achievement levels.
“This program is vital to children living in low-income areas,” said Collier. “Not only does it provide them with a nurturing environment during the summer months, but it also keeps them sharp and ready for academic success as the next school year approaches.”