Published: January 13, 2009 08:34 am      

Energy Express seeks college students to join summer staff

KEYSER, W.Va. — College students planning for the summer can earn money and gain responsibilities for building real-world skills by joining the Energy Express program.

Energy Express is seeking students for AmeriCorps summer mentor positions and community volunteer coordinator positions.

The nationally acclaimed summer reading and nutrition program engages West Virginia’s children in fun reading, writing and art activities.

College students should apply now to serve with Energy Express from June 15 through Aug. 7. West Virginia University Extension Service provides leadership for the program, which is funded by various federal, state and local partners. Energy Express sites are located in Mineral County and throughout West Virginia.

After two weeks of training, each mentor spends six weeks working with a small group of children, making reading meaningful in their lives. The mentors also make home visits and complete a community service project. Mentors and children be-come like family, giving youngsters someone who listens and tries to understand them individually.

Community coordinators commit to eight weeks of service as a member of a site team, connecting parents and community organizations to the literacy and nutrition needs of children. Coordinators recruit and train volunteers and organize literacy enrichment events.

AmeriCorps members in Energy Express are paid $1,600 for their summer service and earn a $1,000 education award. They eat free breakfast and lunch in a family-style setting.

Applicants must be college students or college-bound graduating high school seniors who are at least 18 years old by June 15. Log on to http://www.energyexpress.wvu.edu/ for an application.

For more information, call Monique Fraizer at (304) 788-6867 or the WVU Extension Service, (304) 788-3621.