Children’s artwork and writings cover a wall as part of the Energy Express summer reading and nutrition program. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – A summer reading and nutrition program aimed at helping children maintain learning skills while school is out will return to Wood County on Monday, June 15.

Energy Express, a program offered through West Virginia University Extension, the WVU Center for Community Engagement and AmeriCorps, will serve more than 30 children in Wood County this summer. The program combines healthy breakfasts and lunches with reading, writing, art and other learning activities.

The program is designed to help children who may be at risk of losing academic progress during the summer months. That learning loss, often called the “summer slide,” can happen when children do not continue building or maintaining reading skills while school is out.

Energy Express is available at 45 sites across West Virginia and serves about 1,000 children entering first through sixth grades statewide.

Children in the program spend their days in a print-rich environment where they read, write and create artwork. Each week, every child also receives a book to take home and keep, extending the program’s focus on literacy beyond the six-week summer session.

In Wood County, local support helps make the program possible. Local partners include the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the McDonough Foundation, WV Central Credit Union and the Hanlon Family Fund.

Organizers also are seeking volunteers from Wood County to help read to children, serve meals and donate supplies. They said children benefit from seeing familiar community members involved at program sites.

Major funding for Energy Express comes from WVU Extension, Volunteer West Virginia — the state’s commission for national and community service — and the Summer Food Service Program through the West Virginia Department of Education.

Energy Express is entering its 32nd year as one of WVU Extension’s premier programs. The program brings together children, families, volunteers and community partners to make summer a time for nutrition, learning and connection.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate supplies or money, call Gwen Crum at 304-424-1969.