Results

2020 Accomplishments

Energy Express Impact Highlights

As with many youth programs around the nation, WVU Extension quickly adapted the 2020 Energy Express summer reading program to address public health concerns as a result of the coronavirus. AmeriCorps members, site supervisors, volunteers and others worked together to adapt the traditional in-person program to a virtual and take-home format. Students enrolled in the program were provided at-home and online programs and activities to keep them engaged and improved reading comprehension. Highlights include:

• 62 sites were held in 38 counties
• 2,405 children served
• 76% of participants were eligible for free and reduced-price meals
• 19% of children served had IEPs (Individual Educational Plans)
• 8% of children served were from racial/ethnic minority groups
• The program resulted in significant increases in letter-word identification, reading fluency, passage comprehension and broad reading. Sixty-five percent of children either maintained (2.1%) or increased (63.6%) comprehension.
• 30,252 take home books were distributed to participants

Additionally, WVU Extension partnered with West Virginia Public Broadcasting to complement Energy Express program, particularly for students who may not have reliable internet access. This six-week, five days per week programming featured STEM activities, art, educational information on various topics and celebrity readers for viewers throughout the state.

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