WHAT WE OFFER
The Center believes the region's youth are the future.
And in the words of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), “No young person should have to leave home to find his or her future.”
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Through Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers, and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI) youth programs, The Center helps middle school students through rising high school seniors develop the skills they need to seize their potential as the region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Overview
The Center for Rural Development’s flagship youth program—provides leadership and college scholarship opportunities to help upcoming high school juniors in Southern and Eastern Kentucky develop the skills they need to seize their potential as the region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders. ​During this intensive week-long 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, and civic engagement; and interact with nationally recognized business leaders and entrepreneurs. The program focuses on developing skills in leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, and community service. ​High school students apply during their sophomore year and, if selected, will attend one of two Rogers Scholars summer sessions just before they enter the 11th grade. ​Since the program’s inception in 1998, there have been 1,583 high school students who have graduated from Rogers Scholars, and potential scholarships valued at more than $8 million have been offered to graduates by 19 participating colleges and universities.
The Rogers Explorers program is an intensive three-day, two-night program focused on cultivating skills in leadership, technology, math, science, and community service.  It is developed, coordinated, and supervised by The Center for Rural Development in partnership with University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, and Union College. ​Activities throughout the program are both educational and fun. Classroom projects are very hands-on, so do not expect to be bored!  Explorers are able to actively participate in practical college courses, fine-tune leadership skills, and develop a network of friends and resources throughout our Southern and Eastern Kentucky region. Students from The Center’s 45-county service area may apply during their eighth-grade year.  If selected, they will attend the program in Williamsburg, Columbia, Richmond, Morehead, Wilmore, Pikeville, or Barbourville during the summer before their ninth-grade year.
​The Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute’s purpose is to develop future business leaders and entrepreneurs in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.  High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors from throughout The Center’s 45-county service area are encouraged to apply.  The program is an intensive, weeklong program focused on developing creativity, teamwork, business and leadership skills.  The Institute is developed, coordinated and supervised by The Center for Rural Development and is held at The Center’s facility in Somerset, Kentucky. ​Activities during the week are both educational and fun.  Participants will be divided into teams.  The weeklong institute includes classroom instruction, guest speakers, competitions and tours of local businesses.  The concluding event will be a team business concept competition and the chance to compete for college scholarships. ​​All lodging, meals, and program expenses (with the exception of transportation to and from the program) are  free to the student in all three programs.​
No young person should have to leave home to find his or her future.
The Center for Rural Development
SOMERSET, KENTUCKY
Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Kentucky is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life for the citizens we serve. The Center also aspires to be the nationally recognized model for successful rural development. The Center’s programs and services center around four Focus Areas: Public Safety, Arts & Culture, Leadership, and Technology. The Center also boasts a state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility. While The Center’s programs largely serve residents in a 45-county primary service area in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, we are committed to constantly expanding our capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation. To learn more about The Center for Rural Development please visit www.centertech.com.
The Center’s youth leadership programs continues Congressman Rogers’ goal that “no young person should have to leave home to find his or her future.” Through Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers, and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI) youth programs, The Center helps middle school students through rising high school seniors develop the skills they need to seize their potential as the region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.
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Rogers, who makes his home in Somerset, is currently serving his 19th term in Congress, representing the people of the Fifth Congressional District in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. He is the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office.
To learn more please visit halrogers.house.gov.
Congressman Hal Rogers
KY 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT