The Center for Rural Development’s youth programs have graduated more than 3,000 middle and high school students throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky since 1998. The Center developed three youth programs: Rogers Scholars, for rising juniors; Rogers Explorers, for rising ninth graders; and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, for students in grades 9-11. Through these programs students have experienced a one-of-a-kind leadership training and have gone on to be professional leaders and business owners in their communities. The Center’s youth programs give students the tools they need to flourish.

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On this page, you will find information about the Rogers Scholars program, which not only provides students with an experience of a lifetime, but also the opportunity to apply for exclusive scholarship offers at 19 colleges and universities. The program is invaluable and is offered at no cost to students. We need your help to continue offering this program. You can help by committing to a sponsorship for the 2023 summer. Any level of support is greatly appreciated. A little bit goes a long way!