With summer around the corner and the school year coming to an end, children in rural and low socioeconomic areas of the state have the opportunity to continue learning, while gaining an appetite for better, healthier foods with West Virginia University Extension Service and AmeriCorps’ statewide Energy Express Program.

Energy Express, a summer reading and nutrition program, serves as a bridge for students who might otherwise be vulnerable to the “summer slide.” The summer slide occurs when youths fall behind academically between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next.

Terri Collier, WVU Extension Service’s Energy Express program director, explains that some children become overwhelmed by the mechanics of reading and can lose sight of the enjoyment that can come from reading a book. That’s where Energy Express shines through.

The program takes place June 23-Aug. 1, during which children will take part in more than three hours of daily reading and learning.

This year, 16 pilot sites will open around the state to address recent changes in school curriculum calendars. At these locations, an additional hour of learning will take place and these sites will finish on July 25.

With a primary focus on reading and proper nutrition, Energy Express makes a clear-cut, positive impact in the lives of thousands of West Virginia youths during an eight-week stretch of time every summer.

“The Energy Express program gives youths the opportunity to discover and experience the education and enjoyment that come from reading, alongside their AmeriCorps mentor,” remarked Collier.

With the participation of 37 counties at 74 sites across the state, the award-winning program also educates children about writing, art and drama.

“Our members and volunteers are what energize this program, and through their dedication and support, have helped the program endure,” said Collier. “For more than two decades youths have experienced positive outcomes and learning from participation in the WVU Extension Service’s Energy Express program.”

Approximately 500 AmeriCorps members will take part in the program. These members are young adults who are certified volunteers who also benefit from the Energy Express program by learning valuable work skills, earning money for a college education and developing an appreciation for citizenship and public service.

There are more than 400 mentors and 90 community coordinators and teen community coordinators who also make the program successful each year.

Statewide training for members and site supervisors will be held on the Evansdale Campus June 16-18.

For more information about Energy Express, visit http://energyexpress.ext.wvu.edu/.

-WVU-

bg/06/04/14

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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