Energy Express, a program developed and sponsored by West Virginia University Extension Service, has been selected for inclusion in a soon-to-be-released publication highlighting 50 innovative AmeriCorps programs from 38 states.

The finalists were chosen by Innovations in Civic Participation and Americas Service Commissions, which will share the publication with policymakers, state service commissions and funding groups.

Energy Express helps to reverse the typical summertime losses in childrens reading skills. Each summer, more than 3,300 children in about 90 low-income communities in almost all West Virginia counties attend the six-week program.

Nearly 500 trained college-age AmeriCorps mentors work with groups of eight children who are in first through sixth grades. The mentors, who are supervised by professional educators, receive an educational allowance from AmeriCorps. Each site has a volunteer coordinator, an AmeriCorps member responsible for recruiting the volunteers who are critical to the programs success.

Energy Express promotes the school success of children by involving them in activities that make reading meaningful, such as reading aloud, reading together, journaling, and participating in art and drama activities. By eating breakfast and lunch at Energy Express, the participants receive 58 percent of their daily nutritional requirements.

Now in its 11th year, Energy Express has developed an outstanding reputation for reversing the typicalsummer slidein academics experienced by poor children and for involving parents and other adults in childrens learning.

Energy Express is led by its creator, Dr. Ruthellen Phillips, Extension youth development specialist and professor in the WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development unit. Many local and state partners support the program. Community collaboratives raise 30 percent of their respective sites budget.