Mission

We seek to empower individuals and their families, professionals (in-service and pre-service), and communities, using through physical activity and wellness, mentorship, career readiness, and social connection. Check out the linked two-pager to learn more about E3's mission and initiatives. 

What We Do

Individuals and Families:

• Weekly physical activity & nutrition mentorship interventionson campus or int he community to improve physical health, emotional wellness, career readiness, and quality of life outcomes.
• E3 serves 300 children and adults with disabilities, English language learners, refugees, at-risk youth, veterans, and older adults (ages 2-100) annually.

Professionals: 

• Professionals (pre- and in-service) receive training in Strategies of Success, Ability First, culturally responsive, trauma-aware, and neurobiologically informed (CTN) methodologies while serving as 1:1 mentors or program leads.
• Open Career Pathways: future professionals seek apprenticeships and authentic work experiences to discover their gifts, talents, and career/impact opportunities.
• 100% Success: 100% of our Student Leaders, part-time employees, and engagement fellows are accepted into graduate programs or enter teaching, health, and human services professions following employment.

Communities: 

• Creation of the Shenandoah Valley Inclusive Wellness Coalition (SVIWC): Support and Promote System Changes (policy, practice, and environmental) in communities across the Shenandoah Valley, the Commonwealth, and nationally.
• Building Capacity within Organizations and Communities: Experts and trainees utilize a co-implementation model within K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, recreation centers, wellness organizations, and independent living centers to educate, equip, and empower all instructors, staff, and community members.

Who We Serve

E3 serves children and adults with disabilities, English language learners, refugees, at-risk youth, veterans, older adults, and caregivers. E3 also welcomes non-disabled peers to join and create an inclusive environment. E3 also serves as a training ground for current and future professionals (JMU and others) to increase their efficacy in working with underserved populations.

Research

E3 explores questions across participants, families, pre-service/in-service professionals, and communities.

• Participants and Families: barriers to participation; improvements in physical and mental health, suicide prevention, and social determinants of health;
• Professionals: increasing disability literacy, cultural competence, mentor/instructor efficacy, and inclusion pedagogy.
• Communities: Capacity Building and Systems Change – Practice, Policy, and Environmental Changes

We are always seeking research partners/leaders - open to exploring your research questions to enhance our ongoing work.

Opportunities within E3

E3 is excited to offer volunteer, fieldwork, and paid opportunities for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

• Volunteer and Fieldwork
• Student worker and part-time
• Graduate Assistants and Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Research and Interprofessional Partner(s)