West Virginia University Extension Service’s Energy Express offers more than 3,000 rural and low-income children educational opportunities in reading, writing, drama, art activities, and books to keep and read. Energy Express is operated by the Extension Service’s 4-H program during the summer months when children often experience a “summer slide” of falling reading levels.
The mentors make learning fun for the kids by creating an environment that’s both friendly and safe. In addition teaching, they eat nutritious, family-style meals with children, make family visits, and complete a community service project.
Based on the success of Energy Express participants and curriculum, the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University named Energy Express program one of the nation’s best summer learning programs in 2009. In 2016, more than 100,000 healthy meals were served to children in the program and 65% of the youth maintained or increased reading achievement in broad reading achievement.
Read more about Energy Express.
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