YOUTH PROGRAMS
Build Your Leadership Skills with the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute
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. All lodging, 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. 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to 9th, 10th & 11th grade students in the 45-County Service Area.
ELI PROGRAM
ACCEPTANCE PAPERWORK
Congratulations! If you received a letter of acceptance for the 2025 ELI 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 ELI?
A: The Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI) is a week-long 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. Students stay at the Courtyard by Marriott located adjacent to The Center.
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 24 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: Maybe. The week concludes with a Business Concept Competition. Every member of the winning team receives a $16,000 ($4,000 per year) scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University.
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 24 students are selected for the program.
Q: Can I attend the program more than once?
A: No.