YOUTH PROGRAMS
Build Your Leadership Skills with the new Rogers LEADS program!
STARTING 2026 ROGERS LEADS WILL BE A DAY CAMP!!
APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN MARCH 6TH, 2026!!
The Rogers LEADS program is to develop future 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. Rogers LEADS is developed, coordinated and supervised by The Center for Rural Development and is held at The Center’s facility in Somerset, Kentucky. All meals and program expenses (with the exception of transportation to and from the program) are offered at no cost.
Activities during the week are both educational and fun. The weeklong program includes classroom instruction, guest speakers, competitions and tours of local businesses. Students who participate in Rogers LEADS will be eligible for scholarship opportunites.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications open March 6th!!
Open to 9th, 10th & 11th grade students in the 45-County Service Area.
ROGERS LEADS
ACCEPTANCE PAPERWORK
Congratulations! If you received a letter of acceptance for the 202 LEADS program, you are in the right place. Next you will have to fill out one of the forms below. When filling out the form, make sure you have your corresponding paperwork that was included in your acceptance packet and provide a copy of the front and back of your insurance card.
Q: What is Rogers LEADS?
A: Rogers LEADS is a week-long, non-residential youth entrepreneurial leadership program for students in grades 9-11 throughout Eastern Kentucky. Students spend a week at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, KY.
Q: What happened to ELI?
A: The Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute has transitions to the LEADS program. We have initiated this change to bring more opportunity to students in our region.
Q: How does a student get selected for the program?
A: The Center for Rural Development serves 45 counties throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky. The Center selects 25-30 students from its service area to attend the program.
Q: What grade level do I have to be in?
A: The program is for students currently in the grades 9-11.
Q: What are the academic requirements?
A: You have to have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in order to apply.
Q: Do I get a scholarship for participating in this program?
A: There will be scholarship opportunities available for students who complete the program.
Q: Do I have to be a first generation college student in order to apply?
A: No.
Q: Is the program financially based?
A: No
Q: Does the program cost anything?
A: No. If you get selected for the program, everything is provided at no cost. You just have to get to and from camp.
Q: Is it an open admission program? Do you automatically get in just by filling out the application?
A: No. It is competitive. Only 25-30 students are selected for the program.
Q: I participated in ELI, am I eligible for this program?
A: Yes! You still must meet program academic and residential requirements.