A nationally recognized summer reading and nutrition program for elementary school children, which also provides community service opportunities for college students, will soon begin its 10th year with its newest group of learners and leaders.

Energy Expressa six-week summer program for rural and low-income children in West Virginiawill celebrate its milestone year with a reception and swearing-in ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at West Virginia Wesleyan Colleges Wesley Chapel.

Gov. Bob Wise will administer the pledge of service and give brief remarks to the nearly 600 new and returning AmeriCorps members.

Under the leadership of the WVU Extension Service, Energy Express is a partnership among non-profit organizations, private foundations and numerous local, state and federal agencies.

The summer program is being conducted in 43 West Virginia counties and 82 schools and community centers, reaching some 3,500 children. Over the past nine years, the program has served more than 22,000 children.

“I continue to be amazed by the success of Energy Express; however, I shouldn’t be,”said Ruthellen Phillips, Energy Express director and WVU -ES professor.”It addresses the real needs of children, harnesses the energy and enthusiasm of college students and community members eager to serve, and provides the framework for agencies and organizations to work together to solve problems. Energy Express has been blessed with West Virginians who will do whatever it takes to make it a success.”

Nearly 84,000 volunteer hours were contributed to Energy Express last year, she said.

The summer program’s curriculum helps children retain or increase their reading levels, which helps them perform better academically during the school year. Each week, the books center on a theme, such as family, community and home. Writing, art and drama activities are used to enhance reading. The participants are served a family-style breakfast and lunch, which satisfies 58 percent of the children’s daily nutritional needs.

The AmeriCorps members serve as mentors to the children by reading to them and leading activities related to the book themes. Some also serve as coordinators who recruit and train volunteers to help read to the children and assist with site-related activities. Through these experiences, Dr. Phillips said, many AmeriCorps members have increased their personal capabilities and commitment to community service.

AmeriCorps members also contribute community service to other local projects and are eligible for a small living allowance. The members will receive $1,000 educational awards to assist with college expenses when their service is completed.

Several other state and local education and government officials are expected to attend and speak at Wednesdays ceremony, including Kay Goodwin, secretary, West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts; Gloria Cunningham, coordinator, Summer Food Service Program, West Virginia Department of Education; Jean Ambrose, executive director, West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service; and Larry LeFlore, director, Center for 4-H and Youth, Family and Adult Development, WVU Extension Service. Several program site coordinators and AmeriCorps members from around the state will also speak.

Festivities for the 10th anniversary celebration also include a picnic and”Energy Extravaganza”at 12:30 p.m. featuring reading-related activities presented by AmeriCorps members and a voter registration booth. The Morgantown Theatre Company will perform a musical medley based on this summer’s book themes as a part of the swearing-in ceremony.

For more information about the Energy Express program, contact Phillips, 304-293-3855.