Pendleton County Energy Express

09/30/2026

A child notices when someone remembers their story, laughs with them over lunch, and is there to welcome them back the next day. Our mentors notice those moments, too. 💛

“But over time, you learn that the real transformation happens at the lunch table during family-style meals, in the funny side conversations, or in the simple comfort a child feels when they know you’re going to be there again today.”
— Haleigh, Energy Express Mentor, Summer 2026

09/21/2026

Reading does more than build skills—it builds confidence. 📚💙

A 2018 study by the National Literacy Trust found that positive attitudes toward reading and writing are linked to stronger resilience, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, which are all key indicators of mental health.

At Energy Express, we’re proud to create print-rich, encouraging environments where children can grow as readers and as confident individuals. 🌟

09/14/2026

Thank you First United Bank!

First United Bank & Trust recently presented a donation to the Pendleton County Energy Express program through our associates' United in Giving Casual Day contributions.
Energy Express helps children in rural and low-income communities maintain and strengthen their reading skills during the summer while providing nutritious daily meals in a supportive environment. In 2025 alone, the program served more than 1,000 children across West Virginia, distributed nearly 11,000 take-home books, and provided more than 39,000 meals. We're proud to support an organization that is making a lasting difference for local students and families through literacy, learning, and nutrition.

08/11/2026

Save the Date!

08/11/2026

07/25/2026

Although Energy Express has come to an end, the fun continues today at the Pendleton County Library!

Throughout the summer, we had the opportunity to visit the library's Summer Reading Program, and many of our Energy Express students earned tickets by tracking the time they spent reading. Those tickets were entered into prize drawings for some awesome rewards!

The Summer Reading Celebration Party begins at 12:00 p.m. today, and we hope everyone who participated is able to join in the fun. Congratulations to all of our readers for the time and effort they put into reading this summer. Keep reading, keep learning, and have an amazing time celebrating! 📚🎉

07/24/2026

Congratulations to our winners of our drawing that helped support Pendleton County Energy Express Programming! Thank you for your continued support!

1st Prize- WVU Tickets - Kelly Greenstreet
2nd Prize - YETI Cooler- Justin Bowers
3rd Prize - WVU Flag- Penny Lambert

07/22/2026

Week 6 newsletters and Experience Learning letters were sent home with the children yesterday.

We hope everyone stayed safe during last night's storms. As we receive updates and finalize plans for the remainder of the week, we will keep everyone informed of any changes.

07/22/2026

*UPDATE* Energy Express will be closed today for students. Mentors, Site Coordinator, and Community Coordinator will still report on a delayed schedule.

Pendleton County Energy Express will be operating on a 2 hour delay tomorrow, July 22, due to widespread power outages, and storm damage throughout the county. Students should arrive at the school by 10 AM. Busses will run on the 2 hr delay schedule in the morning. We will dismiss at the normal time.

07/21/2026

Each year, Energy Express Sites around the state pick a community service project for the AmeriCorps members to complete as a way to help give back to their communities.

This year, mentors picked showing appreciation to our First Responders. They put together thank you bags, along with a few tokens of their appreciation. Yesterday they toured the county and hand delivered to all the fire and rescue stations throughout Pendleton County.

We would like to thank all the volunteers who give their time to their communities through their selfless acts of service. Our county is lucky to have volunteers like you!

Thank you from Pendleton County Energy Express!