Abstract

Low-income schoolchildren in rural communities often lack resources to support their educational and social development and nutritional status during the summer months. This article describes Energy Express, a summer reading and nutrition program in 76 West Virginia communities. The program uses college student/AmeriCorps members who, using a place-based curriculum, provide activities to support children's literacy by creating a print-rich environment. Energy Express intends to impact mentor's attitudes and skills related to community service as it enhances children's reading achievement. Ethnographic case study data is used to describe how characteristics ofthe communities that partner with Energy Express impact program implementation.

How to Cite:

Butera, G., McMullen, L. & Phillips, R., (2000) “Energy Express: Connecting Communities and Intervention on Behalf of Schoolchildren in West Virginia”, Journal of Research in Rural Education 16(1), 30–39.

Rights: Copyright