| If you want to make a difference in a child's life this summer and if you like working with volunteers of all ages, apply to be a volunteer coordinator for Energy Express in Calhoun County.
Energy Express is a nationally acclaimed six-week summer reading and nutrition program that maintained or increased the reading skills of elementary school students in 44 counties in West Virginia last summer. West Virginia University Extension Service provides statewide leadership for the program, which is supported by various state and local partners.
The program provides reading, art and drama activities to community children, who also enjoy two family-style meals each day.
At each Energy Express site, the program engages at least one AmeriCorps member to coordinate volunteers. The volunteer coordinator ensures that volunteers assist each participant with reading and writing activities, art projects and other activities to support the Energy Express site.
The critical link between youngsters and volunteers is forged by the volunteer coordinator. After receiving two weeks of Energy Express training and orientation, volunteer coordinators recruit, train, manage and arrange recognition for family and community volunteers during the six weeks that the program's doors are open to community children.
In 2004, Energy Express welcomed 4,222 volunteers to help the children improve their skills. Some volunteers were the children's relatives; others were local community members.
The Energy Express volunteer coordinator position provides a $1,600 living allowance and a $1,000 education AmeriCorps educational voucher to be used for post-secondary education tuition and loans.
The volunteer coordinator position is open to individuals who are U.S. citizens and who are at least 18 years old by June 9, 2005.
Those selected to be volunteer coordinators are required to attend a statewide training June 13-15 at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.
Learn more about Energy Express or request an application by calling Calhoun County WVU Extension Service Office (304) 354-6332. | 
