AmeriCorps is recruiting individuals with a desire to recruit, train and supervise volunteers for the Energy Express program.

Energy Express is an 8-week summer reading and nutrition program promoting the school success of West Virginia children living in rural and low-income communities. Each summer, the program helps 3,000 children maintain or gain reading skills.

The community coordinator recruits volunteers to assist Energy Express children during reading, writing, art, drama and non-competitive recreation activities.

Other community coordinator duties include raising awareness and involving the community and family members in children’s learning. Each community coordinator will also complete a community service project with other Energy Express AmeriCorps members.

“Our program makes a difference in the lives of children, but it also has a huge impact on the lives of the volunteers,” Alicia Cassels, literacy and academic success specialist with West Virginia University's Extension Service, said. “When community members work together to help children succeed it makes for a better experience, and we depend on our community coordinators to help us build those relationships.”

Individuals of all ages are encouraged to apply, but must be at least 18 years of age by June 7, 2012. AmeriCorps community coordinators will serve in 80 sites across West Virginia from June 7- July 27, 2012.

In return for their 300 hours of service, AmeriCorps community coordinators receive a $1,850 summer living allowance and a $1,175 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award valid for up to seven years to pay for college tuition or loans.

Individuals age 55 or older who serve with AmeriCorps are now able to transfer their Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to their children, grandchildren and foster children. The transfer award must be used within 10 years.

Applications are available online at www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or by calling 304-293-3855. The selection process begins March 1. Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.

Energy Express is a program under the leadership of WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program. This AmeriCorps program is funded, in part, by grants from the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts and Volunteer West Virginia. Volunteer West Virginia encourages West Virginians of all ages and abilities to be involved in service to their communities.

Based on the success of Energy Express participants and the unique aspects of the program, the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University named Energy Express program one of the nation’s best summer learning programs in 2009.

For other AmeriCorps and national service opportunities, visit www.americorps.gov. To learn other ways in which WVU Extension Service works in local communities, visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

For more information about becoming an Energy Express community coordinator, visit www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or call 304-293-3855.

—WVU-ES—

AmeriCorps information
Kim Liston
Voice: 304-293-3855
e-mail: kim.liston@mail.wvu.edu

Media contact
Ann Berry
Voice: 304.293.5691
Cell: 304.376.7740
e-mail: ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu