Taylor County Energy Express
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About Us
Energy Express is a free award-winning, six-week, summer reading and nutrition program for children in first through sixth grades living in West Virginia’s rural and low-income communities. This program aims to prevent the “summer slide,” in which children regress in their reading skills because they aren’t learning during the summer.
During Energy Express, children statewide increase or maintain their reading levels through creative, colorful and captivating uses of books, art, drama and vocabulary. Volunteers, mentors and staff create a print-rich environment where students have access to books and printed materials, opportunities to read and write, and the chance to explore the meaning of text through engaging activities. Daily read-alouds and take-home books are a staple at Energy Express. This unique approach makes reading interesting and fun for students, motivating them to continue learning.
Our program also provides children with two nutritious meals each day during the
program, helping to ensure our youths are fed each day even after the school year
comes to an end.
Energy Express will run from June 16 to July 25, 2025.
If you’re a parent looking to register your child for Energy Express, contact your local WVU Extension office. Energy Express is offered in various counties at select locations.
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A Look Back at ENERGY EXPRESS 2016
81 sites in 37 counties
2,405 children reached 50% attendance with an additional 584 served
76% eligible for free and reduced price meals
21% of children served had IEPs (Individual Educational Plans)
17% of children served were from racial/ethnic minority groups
Reading
19,976 books distributed to take home
Significant increases in letter-word identification, reading fluency, passage
comprehension and broad reading.
65% of children maintained or increased reading achievement in broad reading achievement.
The average child increased 1.9 months in broad reading achievement.
Nutrition
105,364 meals served to children participating in the program
17,350 meals served to other community youth
Volunteerism
52,560 volunteer hours were contributed statewide.
Average contribution of 649 volunteer hours per site
496 college students and community members were engaged in service as AmeriCorps
members
2,639 family and community members served as volunteers
Average of 33 volunteers per site