by Kate Shunney
Morgan County’s summer reading program Energy Express, set to return to the county this year after several years of being suspended, will go ahead despite nationwide cuts to AmeriCorps, said state officials. 
AmeriCorps is the federal agency that provides funding and placement for many community volunteers to work in rural areas. Those volunteers receive a stipend and educational credit toward college following their service.
“We are happy share that today we were notified that Energy Express WILL have programming this summer,” announced West Virginia’s director of Energy Express.
“This is great news for our 151 AmeriCorps members who will be located in 22 counties (29 total sites) throughout West Virginia, for the children and families we serve, and for those of us who have worked tirelessly to keep this program strong through both joyful and uncertain times,” said Melissa Calbrese, Director, WVU Energy Express.
“While we are grateful to be able to continue our partnership with AmeriCorps, we also know thousands of people around the country, including here in West Virginia, will not be able to fulfill their passion for service through AmeriCorps,” she said.
Morgan County will have five AmeriCorps volunteers this summer, according to WVU Extension Agent Cindy Smalley, along with a Literacy Volunteer. WVU has coordinated placement of the summer workers, who are often college students.
“WVU has stepped in to make sure we have enough members,” said Smalley.
Others terminated
Morgan County Starting Points was informed last week that their community AmeriCorps volunteer in Paw Paw was immediately pulled from his site. The family resource agency is looking at alternative ways to fund his work so it continues uninterrupted in the community.
Eight AmeriCorps service members who work with the Potomac Valley Audubon Society were also terminated with no notice last week.
Potomac Valley Audubon Society operates multiple nature preserves in the Eastern Panhandle, including Eidolon near Great Cacapon. AmeriCorps members lead student nature activities for area schools, summer nature camps for youth and lead tours and community events at area nature preserves.
“AmeriCorps members made up 74% of our education staff in 2025. Without them our programs would only be able to reach about a quarter of the students it serves now in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan Counties,” said Audubon officials in a letter to members last week. “AmeriCorps is the reason Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) has been able to provide the breadth and depth of services the community has come to expect from us over the years.”
