The Center for Rural Development is accepting online applications for its 2020 Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers and Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI) summer youth leadership programs for students in grades 8-11.

“Each of our youth leadership programs gives students a chance to build their skills and become the best they can be in school and in life,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “These young people are our future leaders and entrepreneurs and our hope for a better tomorrow. Each program also instills in students a commitment to service and dedication to serve others.”

Rogers Scholars: Deadline to apply Jan. 24, 2020

Rogers Scholars —The Center’s flagship youth program—is open to rising juniors in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. The program provides valuable leadership skills and exclusive college scholarship opportunities to help students realize their potential as the region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders. Students apply during their sophomore year.

During the intensive one-week summer program, Rogers Scholars work on building their leadership skills; participate in a series of team-building exercises; receive hands-on instructional training from professional experts in engineering, healthcare, communications, and space science; and interact with nationally recognized business leaders.

If selected, students will attend camp in one of two locations—Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia or Morehead State University in Morehead.

Rogers Explorers – Deadline to apply is Feb. 7, 2020

The Rogers Explorers program is an intensive three-day, two-night program for rising ninth-graders that focuses on cultivating skills in leadership, technology, math, science and community service.

Rogers Explorers is developed, coordinated and supervised by The Center in partnership with the University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, Asbury University, Morehead State University, University of Pikeville and Union College.

Students apply when they are in the eighth grade and attend before the start of their freshman year. Rogers Explorers learn what it is like to live and study on a Kentucky college campus. They actively participate in practical college courses, fine-tune leadership skills and develop a network of friends and resources throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI): Deadline to apply is March 6, 2020

The purpose of ELI is to develop future business leaders and entrepreneurs in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

ELI, a one-week summer leadership camp, is open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Participants are encouraged to develop their creativity, work as a team, and build their business and leadership skills.

The Institute is developed, coordinated, and supervised by The Center and held at its facility in Somerset. ELI will conclude with a team business concept competition and the chance to compete for a college scholarship offer from Eastern Kentucky University.

To apply for Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers, or ELI, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com. For questions or more information, call Allison Cross at 606-677-6000 or email across@centertech.com.

The Center’s youth programs are offered at no cost to students in the following counties: Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe.