[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9146-S9147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  WEST VIRGINIA ENERGY EXPRESS PROJECT

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I 
rise today to recognize the Energy Express Americorps for their 
contributions to local West Virginia communities. In 1994, several 
studies demonstrated conclusively that many low-income children were 
not receiving proper nourishment and we all understand how this hurts a 
child's healthy development. Further research has suggested that not 
only did low-income students lack proper nutrition, but they also faced 
academic set backs while their more fortunate classmates made academic 
gains during summer recess. Inspired by such disturbing statistics, 
West Virginia Americorps created Energy Express, a unique program, 
which offers

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six-week summer program for low-income, elementary children to promote 
reading skills, to create strong partnerships with mentors, and to 
provide nutritious meals. Energy Express is an innovative Americorps 
program that helps low-income children with a healthy, safe 
environment, and promotes reading skills in a community environment.
  Energy Express formed an effective partnership with the existing 
Summer Feeding Program that provides nutritious meals and education to 
promote proper eating habits. The Energy Express summer camps go beyond 
the call of duty to simply prepare and provide; they create a family-
style atmosphere where the children learn how to make decisions, engage 
in conversation, assume responsibility, and cooperate with one another 
and others..
  The mission of Energy Express also goes beyond just child nutrition 
to promote further education. Recognizing the need to increase reading 
skills and to encourage retention of lessons from school, Americorps 
provides four hours of tutorial time that always remains fun. Weekly 
themes of ``myself,'' ``family,'' ``friends,'' ``home place,'' 
``community,'' and ``ideal world'' guide the mentors and children in 
their work. The curriculum includes creating books, performing stories, 
reading both silently and out loud, and immersing the children in 
creative art activities, all of which are pertinent to a designated 
theme. At the end of each week, the child is able to take home a book 
relevant to the theme to keep in his or her personal library.
  The design of Energy Express organizes six to eight children per one 
college student mentor. These mentors serve as tremendous role models 
for maturity, educational development and also as wonderful community 
volunteers committed to West Virginia. Each mentor receives an 
extensive eight week training program led by on-site educators who 
teach them positive feedback, how to productively discipline and the 
basic fundamentals of tutoring. Through preliminary visits and weekly 
contact concerning their child's progress, the mentor reaches out to 
the parents in ways which encourage involvement and support.
  The program's growth in the past four years characterizes one of its 
successes. In 1994, Energy Express reached two counties, 85 students 
and 13 college mentors. This summer the program reaches 38 counties, 68 
sites, 2721 students, 425 Americorps college mentors and approximately 
25 Americorps VISTA Summer Associates. In 1997, Energy Express received 
national recognition as it won the Joint Council of Extension 
Professionals Award for Excellence in Teamwork and the Council of State 
Governments Innovations Award. Energy Express also serves as a national 
model for many other states attempting to duplicate such programs.
  Most important, however, is the success of the children. In 1997, 
studies indicated that many of the students not only retained previous 
knowledge, but gained one month in word identification and three months 
in comprehension. 124,990 nutritious meals were served and the children 
received 12,930 books to add to their personal library. Many states as 
well as other communities in West Virginia hope to duplicate these same 
results. Their hands are somewhat tied by the lack of needed funds 
available. Each site costs approximately $25,000, but the rewards 
passed on to the children, communities and mentors are immeasurable in 
return.
  Energy Express demonstrates the incredible work and success of 
Americorps. The commitment of its volunteers not only helps the 
community, but also provides growth for the volunteers themselves. My 
experience as a VISTA worker gave me a similar experience, and I 
continue my dedication to our Mountain State. I see that today's 
volunteers show that same dedication, and I extend my sincere gratitude 
to all of them. These persons have committed themselves fully to public 
service, both as volunteers and employees. It is through their hard 
work that the people of West Virginia benefit from the world's myriad 
of opportunities.

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