Energy Express

11/21/2025

🌱 Hands-on Learning with Master Gardeners! 🌽🍓

This summer, Master Gardeners led engaging sessions for Energy Express children at Tucker County High School — planting and cooking with strawberries, ramps, potatoes, corn, basil, and hardneck garlic! 👩‍🌾🍴

Children got to dig in the dirt, help prepare fresh foods, and enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of their labor — learning where their food comes from and the joy of growing it themselves. 🌾🌻

💚 A big thank-you to the WVU Extension Master Gardeners and Mrs. Beverly for sharing their knowledge and helping our Energy Express participants learn, grow, and thrive!

Read the article: https://www.theintermountain.com/life/2025/10/striving-for-beauty/

11/20/2025

Meet Veronica VanMeter! 💛💙

WVU Elementary Education major, Veronica VanMeter, is one of our dynamic Energy Express Reading Club Mentors this fall—creative, energetic, and always fostering the joy of reading.

Veronica has introduced chapter books to her group of students, opening the door to longer stories and helping children strengthen their story retention and build diverse vocabulary. Her active, joyful approach brings reading to life each club day.
We’re so grateful to have her on the Energy Express team!

11/19/2025

A big shoutout to Honors BCOR 199 students Makia, Brady, Grady, Jaxon, and Jake for raising funds and awareness for Energy Express! 💛💙

Your teamwork and enthusiasm made a difference for our program and the communities we serve. You represented the Honors College and Energy Express with so much heart—and we’re really grateful.

A warm thank you to Dr. Li Wang, whose service-learning course gives students a chance to engage with community organizations, and to the WVU Center for Community Engagement, which helps make these connections possible.
We’re so glad to be in this work together. 🌻📖✨

11/18/2025

It takes a village to make summer learning shine! ✨ A huge thank you to our dedicated community volunteers and J.E.M.s for supporting our children and mentors each week. Your energy, kindness, and commitment truly make a difference. 💙

J.E.M.s are Energy Express’s junior volunteers—most of whom were once children in the program themselves. By reading with our young learners, they strengthen their own literacy skills while enjoying two meals each day.

11/17/2025

🌟 Paid Opportunity for WV College Students! 🌟

Our friends at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources / WVU Extension are recruiting for the 2025 Extension Mentoring in Evaluation (MINION) Program — and we’re thrilled to share it!

This paid professional development experience is open to any college student in West Virginia — any major, enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at any academically accredited college or university across the state. (You do not have to attend WVU to apply! This can be in-person or remote!)

✨ MINIONs can even work with Energy Express to support program evaluation and see firsthand how data strengthens community programs across West Virginia.
If you're curious about evaluation, passionate about community impact, or looking to build real-world skills with expert mentoring, this is a fantastic opportunity.

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eBJ3yxky

Help us spread the word!

11/15/2025

Thanks to the The Shack Neighborhood House for inviting Energy Express to their Friendsgiving dinner last night! We enjoyed spending time with some of the families of the children enrolled in our Reading Mentors After School club! The Shack Neighborhood families and team members are a joy to spend time with!

Photo of Reading Mentors, Marin and Bessie, at the Shack Neighborhood House. 🌟

11/15/2025

Some of our Energy Express Reading Mentors and State Office team had a wonderful time at the The Shack Neighborhood House on Friday evening. We're grateful to be included in their Friendsgiving event! If you’re in Monongalia County, check out their fantastic programming for the whole family!

11/14/2025

Your story matters! 💛💙

When Energy Express alumni share their experiences, it helps us celebrate the impact of our mentors and show others why this program matters.

Complete our Alumni Survey and help keep the Energy Express mission growing! 🌟

Click the link or scan our QR Code: https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bwwv47UMNTIaSfc

11/13/2025

Did you know that Junior Volunteers play a vital role in the Energy Express model? 🌟

Managed by our dedicated community and site coordinators, these young volunteers serve as an important bridge to the children in our program. They support literacy 📚 and nutrition 🥪 in the classroom while practicing their own reading skills—gaining valuable experience and making a difference in their communities. Energy Express provides an amazing opportunity for youth across West Virginia to learn, grow, and give back!

📍Location: Pendleton County Energy Express Site, Summer 2025

11/12/2025

This summer, 95% of caregivers reported that Energy Express helped increase their child’s literacy skills — and that growth doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

When children take home books, practice new reading strategies, and share stories with their families, they’re spreading the joy of learning throughout their homes. Parents notice stronger reading confidence, siblings join in on story time, and literacy becomes a shared experience.

That’s the Energy Express difference — where learning, family, and community come together to help children thrive. 🌞📖

11/11/2025

Honoring our Veterans and all national service members today – thank you for your service and dedication! 💛💙

On , we honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving others — both in uniform and through .

Every year, thousands of veterans serve with AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, helping communities recover from disasters, mentoring youth, and supporting other veterans as they transition to civilian life.

AmeriCorps also supports veterans and military families across the nation — connecting them to education, employment, and other vital resources.

11/11/2025

Are you a WVU student in Morgantown? ✅🧑‍🎓

The Energy Express program has partnered with P2A to offer a paid opportunity for WVU students!

Reading Mentors will work with a small group of after-school students two days a week, helping them build literacy and social development skills. Professional development and training opportunities will be offered at Allen Hall each week.

Bringing the Energy Express magic to the school year — small groups, big impact, and all the fun you remember! 💛🏫💙

Apply now ➡️ https://bit.ly/EEPurpose2Action