Are you a college student who enjoys working with children and also needs some extra money? If so, consider becoming an AmeriCorps mentor with Energy Express.

Energy Express is a six-week summer reading and nutrition program for West Virginia children that focuses on reading, writing and art. West Virginia University Extension Service provides leadership for the program, which is funded by various federal, state and local sources. In 2000, Energy Express had 80 sites in 38 counties in West Virginia with over 450 mentors.

Mentors spend six weeks working with a small group of children, making reading meaningful in their lives. The mentors also become involved in the community in which they serve by making home visits and completing a community service project. In addition, the mentors receive valuable training and are supervised by an experienced site coordinator.

Mentors must be college students (undergraduate, graduate or post-secondary education) or a college-bound graduating high school senior who is 18 years of age. In exchange for eight weeks of service, the mentor receives a living allowance of $1,468 and an AmeriCorps educational voucher of $787 to be used for tuition and loans.

Several of the past mentors commented on their successful summer of service to the children.

“The rewards of serving as a mentor are numerous. Not only do mentors help the children with reading and nutrition, but the mentors themselves receive training and experience. The time that is spent teaching and helping a child is precious and very rewarding,”said Jennifer Dillard.”At the beginning of the summer I questioned if education was the right field for me, but now I know if it is as rewarding as Energy Express, then I will have a lifetime full of rewards.”

Another Energy Express mentor, Jenny Testa, commented,”Energy Express allows the children to set and meet new goals. They become confident in their reading as their skill slowly develop. But, best of all, they have fun forming new friendships.”

Energy Express mentors join the thousands of other civic-minded individuals serving with AmeriCorps to”Get Things Done”in their communities. Parents and community members can also become involved with Energy Express by volunteering at the sites.

Those interested in this service opportunity should contact the Energy Express Office for an application by writing: Energy Express, WVU , P.O. Box 6022, 706 Allen Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506 or call (304) 293-3855. Applications, which will be available in November, can also be picked up at WVU County Extension Offices.