…Where breakfast, lunch and learning don’t take a summer break!

The Reality 1 out of every 4 children in West Virginia live in poverty – That’s 97,818 children – Half of which have parents currently unemployed – 64% have parents who did not obtain a high school diploma – We need to prevent the “Summer Slide”

What does research say about children and reading? – Children need to spend time practicing reading to become fluent readers – Many children do not have an opportunity at home or school to practice reading – Regardless of income level, children who are read to daily and who read for pleasure daily, achieve at the highest rates.

Summer Slide Video

What is Energy Express? Energy Express is an 8-week AmeriCorps summer reading program promoting the school success of West Virginia children living in rural and low-income communities. Research has shown that during the summer, many children: – Fall behind academically – Suffer nutritionally – Lack a safe a secure environment Mission: Energy Express promotes the school success of children living in rural and low-income communities by providing summer learning experiences and nutritious meals.

The Energy Express Model  Place-based curriculum  Print-rich  Family Style Meals  Service  Small Groups  Parent and Community Involvement Collaboration

Print-rich Environment Includes: Reading, Writing, Art, Drama, Non- competitive play and Take-home Books Weekly Themes are: Myself, Family, Friends, Homeplace, Community and Making My World a Better place

Example of a Print-rich Environment

Nutritious Family Style Meals Teach responsibility Develop cooperation Encourage conversation

Community Coordinator Recruit, train, supervise, and manage volunteers who will perform: – One-on-One reading – Read aloud – Non-competitive play – Other site activities Build relationships with families and members of the community. Connect parents and community members to the site

Mentor Develop, implement and evaluate reading related print-rich activities for children grades 1-6. Build strong relationships with children, parents and the community Promote the nutritional well-being of children. Engages in outreach to parents through family visits.

A Day at Energy Express 8:00-8:30Site Team Arrives 8:30-9:00Children Arrive/Breakfast 9:00-11:30Print-rich Activities 11:30-12:00 Lunch/Children Depart 12:00-2:00Site team meeting, planning, reflection, connecting with the families and community Two additional weeks for training, planning, and connecting with families and community

Energy Express Mentors and Community Coordinators will receive: A living allowance of $1,850 Segal AmeriCorps education award of $1,210 (in the form of a voucher) Ample training before and during the program Valuable service experience

AmeriCorps Member Eligibility Mentor 18 or older by June 16, 2016 U.S. citizen Full-time undergraduate, or College-bound graduating high school senior Or May 2016 college graduate or December 2015 college graduate without full-time employment Community Coordinator 18 or older by June 16, 2016 U.S. citizen High school diploma or equivalent

Important Dates Selection Process starts…………………………………………..March 1 st, 2016 Program Dates: June 16 th – August 5 th, 2016 On-Site Training with Site Team……………..…………….June 16 th Statewide Training: West Virginia University…………June 20th First Day with Children………………………………………...June 27 th Site Cleanup…………………………………………………………Aug 5 th

“…I saw Ryan’s mom the other day and she told me that he is doing do well in school after this summer! She said he’s at the top of his class. His teacher asked what the difference was, and she is sure it was us (Energy Express). The teacher is so impressed. She had never heard of the program, but now she is going to start recommending it to parents! Ryan’s mom also said that he actually wants to read, and now he reads an entire story to her every night before bed!” Mentor

Individuals of all abilities are encouraged to apply Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status. Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. Contact Information Energy Express West Virginia University Extension Service P.O. Box 6602 Morgantown, WV Telephone: (304) Fax: (304) Website: