WVU Today
West Virginia Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin announced that West Virginia University Extension Service’s Energy Express program was awarded more than $1.2 million to support literacy programs for West Virginia youths beginning in summer 2022. The award will continue through 2024 — $1.2 million each year for three years.
Energy Express received the AmeriCorps state award from the Corporation for National and Community Service through Volunteer West Virginia. Each summer, the summer reading and nutrition program is led and executed by hundreds of AmeriCorps members, as well as community volunteers, who provide life-changing experiences for nearly 3,000 youths living in rural and low-income communities throughout West Virginia. WVU county Extension agents, along with the state Energy Express team, partner with school systems and others to bring this program to communities.
During the free, six-week program participants engage in art, STEM, literacy, games and other activities that help them hone their reading and comprehension skills. Through partnerships with local, state and community organizations, the program also provides nutritious meals for the students.
“The awarding of this AmeriCorps grant is very exciting news for Energy Express following some very challenging times. This award will allow us to continue the traditions of our program that make it so exciting for our children, but also gives us the opportunity to focus on innovation and creativity in building our program for the future,” Mark Swiger, director of WVU Extension Service Energy Express, said. “Energy Express has a 27-year history of blending learning with nutrition through a program focused on national service. We’re proud of the work being done through the efforts of our county WVU Extension agents, site supervisors, mentors and local partnerships, and are grateful for their undying commitment to the children of West Virginia. This is an exciting time for Energy Express.”
In 2020, the pandemic eliminated the opportunity for in-person programming and remote platforms were incorporated.
The 2021 summer program runs June 21-July 30 and will be offered at nearly 50 sites throughout West Virginia. Children entering first through fourth grade (as of fall 2021) are eligible to participate in the program.
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