Energy Express

08/21/2025

Warning: Side effects of Energy Express may include uncontrollable smiles and early morning enthusiasm. ⚠️❤️
You know it’s a great program when children come back day after day full of excitement, curiosity, pride, and a drive to grow. We’ll be sharing more parent testimonies soon — but we had to kick things off with a funny one that’s also completely true! 🤣☕

08/20/2025

This summer, our sites completed 30 service projects! 🌟♻️🌻

From addressing local food insecurity to community beautification, working with children and pets, and so much more, our teams went above and beyond. 🏘️ Each project was offered free of charge, fueled by kindness, and aimed at meeting real needs in their neighborhoods!

These efforts pushed service beyond our site children and straight into the hearts of the greater community. 💛

Thank you to every site that poured sweat, creativity, and smiles into these projects — you did amazing things!

08/19/2025

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Thinking about our model, it’s clear every day why we do what we do — to help create brighter futures for the children, friends, and families we meet, to bring communities closer, to learn something new along the way, and to make every summer count as a step toward something better. 👣🌎

It’s simple, but it’s true — we do this to make a difference in both the families we serve and ourselves. 🙌That’s the heart of everything we do at Energy Express.

08/18/2025

When a good book comes to life in the hands of a caring reader, it inspires kids to become storytellers themselves. ✍️✨ At Energy Express, our read-alouds spark creativity, model great writing, and build confidence for even the most hesitant authors.

Are you looking for ideas and examples on how to weave this storytelling approach into your home or classroom? Check out this Edutopia article for tips and book suggestions ➡️https://bit.ly/4oAYELK

08/14/2025

Today marks the first day of school for some of our 2025 Energy Express children — and many more will be heading back in the days to come! 🍎✏️

As they walk into their classrooms this fall, we’re sending them all the encouragement in the world 💛 We hope their summer with us gave them a little more confidence, a little more joy, and a lot more love for learning 📚🌟

You've got this, readers!

08/13/2025

We often hear from members that Energy Express helped them see their future more clearly — whether it’s discovering a career path, gaining new perspective, or building lifelong confidence 📚

But the end of this quote really stood out to us: “Given a purpose.” 💛

They connected their time in service to discovering what they love — and found a path that brought them closer to their 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚🎯

Isn’t that beautiful?! That’s what Energy Express is all about.🥹

08/12/2025

They're gaining skills, changing lives, earning for college — and doing it all with what? CONFIDENCE. 💪✨

Educators with high self-efficacy create stronger learning environments. They communicate more clearly, build better relationships with children, and help learners feel safe, supported, and ready to grow.

That’s exactly what we witnessed at Energy Express. Overall confidence in our AmeriCorps members' ability to serve as mentors increased from 79.7% to 95.7% during summer 2025. Specific instructional sectors, such as developing and implementing lesson plans, saw a significant increase in those who self-reported as very confident, from 37.6% to 62.1%.

Our mentors stepped up with purpose, brought energy to their lessons, and created spaces where students could thrive. 🙌

08/11/2025

This summer, WVU Mountaineers Cade and Rachel set out on a special journey—visiting all 29 Energy Express sites across West Virginia‼️⛰️They came to serve. They left inspired.

“This experience really opened my eyes to just how essential these six weeks are.” – Mountaineer Cade

“Visiting Energy Express sites really proved how important it is to have opportunities that cultivate growth.”
– Mountaineer Rachel

Throughout their travels, they witnessed joy, curiosity, and unmistakable Mountaineer pride. It was a powerful reminder: when we give our time, we often receive even more in return. 💙💛

08/09/2025

We know many awesome Energy Express children who can tell great stories!

The due date is Aug. 20, 2025! Read below for all the details. In 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding as a nation. In

08/08/2025

Hey Energy Express Community🌟 The summer’s winding down and, based on the local traffic, a lot of folks are taking off to enjoy some last-minute rest and recreation – maybe your family is looking for some late summer fun, too. 🏕️🚙🥾

Getting away together is a great way to build tight bonds and make lifelong memories, so here are some family-friendly activities not far from home: https://wvtourism.com/family-friendly/

Photo 📍: Pendleton County, Energy Express

08/07/2025

Roger Dahmer, Pendleton County Commissioner, visited our Pendleton site this summer! We love seeing influential changemakers supporting our Energy Express sites and communities across West Virginia!

Missing summer already! ☀️💛💙

08/06/2025

🎡 The WV State Fair kicks off tomorrow!

The 100th Annual State Fair of West Virginia runs August 7–16, 2025 in Lewisburg—and you won’t want to miss it! This 10-day celebration brings together the best of agriculture, family fun, and education, with a $16.9 million statewide economic impact!

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the State Fair is deeply rooted in tradition and community—and it’s only getting bigger in its 100th year!

🎟️ Find out more and plan your visit: https://bit.ly/100th-annual-state-fair-of-west-virginia

LEWISBURG, WV (07/31/2025) (readMedia)-- The countdown is over-the 100th Annual State Fair of West Virginia is set to begin on Thursday, August 7, and will