Energy Express

01/30/2026

We’re sharing a read-aloud from former Monongalia County Energy Express mentor Adeline Schneid, featuring her book The Wonderfully Wild Ones, illustrated by Ashley Belote. 📕

Adeline is a West Virginia author and educator who grew up in the state and found inspiration for her writing through her experiences here. 💛💙

We’re proud to see Energy Express mentors making an impact across the Mountain State through literacy, education, and a love of reading that reaches beyond the summer.

Video by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Our book for 2025 is The Wonderfully Wild Ones by West Virginia author Adeline Schneid and illustrated by Ashley Belote.Mountain Readers Become Leaders is a ...

01/29/2026

We’re recruiting WVU Mentors for Energy Express! 💙💛

Join us this summer and serve as a literacy tutor while making a meaningful impact on children across West Virginia.

WVU Mentors receive:
✨ $1,565.08 equivalent educational stipend
✨ $4,050 living allowance
✨ 300 service hours

Please note: This is not an AmeriCorps position, but WVU Mentors receive additional compensation equivalent to an Education Award.
This role does not qualify for the WV tuition waiver.

Ready to apply? ➜ https://extension.wvu.edu/youth-family/energy-express

01/28/2026

Storybook STEM = an Energy Express family favorite! 💡

Parents and adult caregivers ranked this program as one of the top activities their child enjoyed through Energy Express.

Storybook STEM by STEMCARE is a WVU Extension program that builds curiosity, creativity, and confidence through hands-on learning—connecting science with key literacy skills.

To learn how your child can participate in Energy Express this summer, please contact your local WVU Extension Office.

Find contact information here: https://extension.wvu.edu/contact-us

01/27/2026

From big art projects to puppetry, our children create inspiring art projects each summer. 🌈🎨

Interesed in having your child attend Energy Express? Reach out to your county Extension agent. ➡️ https://extension.wvu.edu/offices

01/26/2026

Did you know that sharing meals isn’t just about food—it’s about connection? Research from Gallup shows that people who eat with others report higher life satisfaction, more positive emotions, and less loneliness—across all ages, cultures, and countries! Young people are the group most likely to increase their subjective well-being by sharing a meal with their peers.

In the U.S., more people are dining alone than ever before. In 2023, 1 in 4 Americans ate all their meals alone, a 53% increase since 2003. Meal sharing isn’t just about socializing—it’s a key part of building community, friendships, and support networks.

At WVU Energy Express, our programs give kids and mentors the chance to connect, share stories, and enjoy meals together. Every shared meal is a chance to grow stronger bonds.

💡 Let’s make mealtime more than just eating—let’s make it a moment to connect!

Read the article here: https://www.worldhappiness.report/ed/2025/sharing-meals-with-others-how-sharing-meals-supports-happiness-and-social-connections/

01/23/2026

The time has come! We’re excited to announce our 2026 Energy Express counties for this summer! 🌞 We're proud to continue making a lasting impact on kids' learning across West Virginia.

To support more sites across West Virginia, we’re offering two Mentor roles this year:
✨ AmeriCorps Mentors
✨ WVU Mentors
As always, every site will also be supported by Community Coordinators and Site Coordinators.

2026 is shaping up to be an amazing summer! 💙📚

▪️Want to get involved? Head to energyexpress.wvu.edu for all the info.
▪️For site details, contact your local extension office here: https://extension.wvu.edu/offices

*Please note, counties in yellow on the map below are only seeking applications for WVU Mentors.

Let’s make this summer unforgettable! ✨
WVU Extension WVU Center for Community EngagementAmeriCorps Volunteer West Virginia

01/22/2026

As we begin 2026, we’re reflecting on the impact made across West Virginia in Volunteer West Virginia’s 2025 Impact Report. 💛

Energy Express is proud and thankful to serve as an AmeriCorps program, working alongside Volunteer West Virginia to support communities and young learners across the state.

Looking to volunteer with Energy Express or in your local community? Check out the graphic above from Volunteer West Virginia on how to get involved, from small actions of kindness to joining AmeriCorps WV.

Thank you to our AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and partners who made this impact possible.

👉 Read the report: https://form.ext.wvu.edu/2025VolunteerWV

01/21/2026

AmeriCorps is what you’ve been searching for 💙
Serve with WVU Extension Energy Express and put your values into action while making a real difference for children and communities across West Virginia. Gain hands-on experience, build career skills, earn an education award, and create a lifelong impact through service.

✨ Find your path with AmeriCorps.

Priority application deadline: March 1st.
Learn more and apply here ➜ https://extension.wvu.edu/youth-family/energy-express

01/20/2026

✍️ Handwriting matters!

New research shows that children learn letters more effectively when they practice by hand instead of typing.

-92% accuracy when naming letters after handwriting practice

-75% accuracy after typing

For writing letters, kids who practiced by hand were twice as accurate (64% vs. 28%)

At Energy Express, we’re proud to be a low-tech, high-impact program—focused on real learning, real relationships, and real results. 💛📚

Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022096525000013?via%3Dihub

01/19/2026

“We are tied together in the single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail

Today, on MLK National Day of Service, Energy Express honors Dr. King’s legacy by recommitting to the work of strengthening our communities, supporting our youth, and showing up for one another.

Service brings us together — and every act of kindness creates a ripple that reaches far beyond ourselves. 💛💙

Join us in making a difference today and every day.

Pictured: Ohio County, WV Energy Express members who volunteered to assist their community during the Summer 2025 flooding in the Ohio River Valley.

01/16/2026

You can help kickstart America’s 250th anniversary this MLK Day!

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence, AmeriCorps has partnered with America250 to reach the largest
year of service yet. Whether you’ll be volunteering for the first time or
challenging yourself to do more, join people across the country in committing to
give back.

Learn more here: America250.org/america-gives/

01/15/2026

🌟 Serve Your Community This Summer! 🌟

Join AmeriCorps Energy Express and make a lasting impact through community-based service! 💼📚

Be part of a wonderful team, and create a love of reading for children in Energy Express.

📍 Apply Today and be the difference this summer! https://bit.ly/3WZ56Q6
Applications are open now! Priority applications are due March 1st.