WVU Extension Energy Express is bringing the joy of its summer reading program into the school year through a new after-school reading club, launched in partnership with the Center for Community Engagement’s Purpose to Action and supported by a Dollar General Literacy grant.
This fall, the club is serving children in the Shack Neighborhood House’s after-school program at Mylan Park Elementary School, providing joyful, hands-on literacy experiences led by WVU students.
Serving as Energy Express reading mentors, WVU elementary education students in the P2A program provide engaging small-group literacy support for first- through third-grade students twice a week.
Drawing inspiration from the award-winning Energy Express summer model, activities include read-alouds, creative writing, art, drama games and STEAM projects that make reading both active and fun.
Each child receives several take-home books to build a personal library, and mentors stay in close communication with families and teachers to support continued growth.
Over the 12-week session, children participate in 30 hours of intentional literacy instruction, gaining skills and confidence while students gain hands-on teaching experience.
The after-school club will continue in the spring semester, and interest from additional schools is growing. Energy Express leadership is exploring opportunities to expand this out-of-school-time model to provide literacy support for West Virginia children year-round.
For questions or to get involved, contact Melissa Calabrese at Melissa.Calabrese@mailwvu.edu.