The Center for Rural Development has selected local eighth-grade students Reagan Day and Madelyn Smith to participate in the 2024 Rogers Explorers Program.

Reagan, a student at Lone Jack School Center, and Madelyn, a student at Pineville Independent, have been chosen as Rogers Explorers and invited to attend this summer’s program.

“The Rogers Explorers Program encourages middle school students to develop their leadership skills and explore new adventures while spending time on a leading Kentucky college campus,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “We’re excited to welcome our 2024 Class of Rogers Explorers and for them to start their journey.”

Rogers Explorers is open to eighth-grade students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky who have a strong interest in developing their skills in leadership, team building, community service, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields of study.

This summer, approximately 184 Explorers will be spending three days and two nights on one of six partner Kentucky colleges or universities. While on campus, they will learn valuable leadership skills, complete a community service project, and participate in hands-on learning.

Rogers Explorers is presented by The Center for Rural Development in partnership with Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, University of the Cumberlands, University of Pikeville, and Union College.

Reagan is the daughter of Jeff and Amanda Day of Middlesboro. Madelyn is the daughter of Lawrence and Katrina Smith of Pineville.

For more information about Rogers Explorers, please contact Amber Decker (adecker@centertech.com) or Amy Ellis (aellis@centertech.com) , visit www.centeryouthprograms.com or call 606-677-6000.