PARKERSBURG — Volunteers are needed for Energy Express, West Virginia University Extension’s award-winning literacy program, which is returning this summer to bring reading and nutrition education to children across West Virginia.

The program is looking for individuals to sign up to be AmeriCorps members to serve as community coordinators and mentors for a site at Martin Elementary School in Parkersburg.

AmeriCorps members are needed to serve as community coordinators and caring mentors for children in the program. Members will serve for six weeks during the summer, at the school, from June 7 to July 26, according to a press release from the WVU Extension Office.

It takes a community to make Energy Express a beneficial part of children’s summers, the press release said. Youths, AmeriCorps members and other volunteers work together with site supervisors to create a meaningful experience for children entering first through sixth grade — particularly in rural and low-income communities.

Along with providing a rewarding personal experience, AmeriCorps members earn an education award, living allowance and service hours, the press release said. Those who serve as mentors are eligible to receive a $1,459.26 educational award, $3,726 living allowance and 300 service hours.

Mentors who participate in Energy Express also gain leadership skills and personal growth, as well as create meaningful relationships within the community.

To be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps volunteer, participants must be at least 18 years old before June 5, 2024. Applications are available now and will stay open until all positions are filled.

Contact Gwen Crum at the Wood County Extension office at 304-424-1969 for any further information or questions.

Interested applicants can sign up online. For more information, visit energyexpress.wvu.edu.

If someone wants to learn about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.