Energy Express, an award-winning statewide reading program, has kicked off its second summer at ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College.
The program will serve more than thirty-five children providing two meals per day and reading-based educational activities that help students maintain their reading skills and good nutrition during the summer months.
The program will take place Monday, June 23rd through Friday, August 1st from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day and will be held in the Fine Arts Building at GSC.
Students of the college and residents of the community participate in Energy Express through AmeriCorps, which offers opportunities to help others and meet critical needs in local communities. ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College Students working with the program this summer include: mentors Danielle Wood, Brittany Conrad, Becky Chesser, Lark Butler, and Marsha Benson, and Volunteer Coordinator Leslie Campbell.
Major funding for Energy Express comes from the West Virginia University Extension Service, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service, the Summer Food Service Program through the West Virginia Department of Education, and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts.
In addition to these state partners, there is also a tremendous amount of local support for Energy Express, which include: the Gilmer County Board of Education, ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College, Ramco Technologies, Connings CEOS, Cox’s Mills CEOS, Dr. John Westfall, Jack’s Septic Service, ÏãåúÖ±²¥ Presbyterian Church Women, Baldwin CEOS, Dr Catherine E. Grant, Lucky Eye Care, P.L.L.C, Drake’s Auto Sales, Wes Mon Ty, Roy & Jane Radabaugh, Doris Radabaugh, and Mary Radabaugh. Besides these monetary contributions, a countless number of individuals have donated ‘found items’ such as clothes, egg cartons, cereal boxes, and paper towel rolls.
If you would like to help, Energy Express needs volunteers to read with the children and help with other activities. For more information, please call 462-7361 ext. 7353.