YOUTH PROGRAMS
Build Your Leadership Skills with the Rogers Explorers Program
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, University of Pikeville, 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, Pikeville, or Barbourville during the summer before their ninth-grade year. All lodging, meals, and program expenses (with the exception of transportation to and from the program) are offered at no cost.
Open to 8th Grade Students in the 45-County Service Area.
Eligibility Criteria
ROGERS EXPLORERS
ACCEPTANCE PAPERWORK
Congratulations! If you received a letter of acceptance for the 2025 Rogers Explorers 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 Explorers?
A: Rogers Explorers is a 3-day youth leadership program for rising ninth graders throughout Eastern Kentucky. Students spend three days where they will live and learn on a college campus during the summer between their 8th grade and 9th grade year.
Q: How does a student get selected for the program?
A: The Center for Rural Development serves 45 counties throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In an initial round of selection, The Center selects a certain number of students per county based on the top application scores. The number of students selected is determined by the number of partner universities who agree to host the program in a given year.
Q: What grade level do I have to be in?
A: The program is for rising ninth graders, but you apply during your eighth grade year.
Q: What are the academic requirements?
A: You have to have a minimum B average in order to apply.
Q: Do I get a scholarship for participating in this program.
A: Maybe. Only those students who attend the program at Union College receive a scholarship. Union College offers a $2,000 scholar to the Rogers Explorers who specifically attend camp on their campus.
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. With around 400 applications annually, and we select up to a possible 180 students.
Q: Where is the program located?
A: Students attend camp at one of several possible locations. Locations for 2025 included Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Lindsey Wilson College, University of Pikeville, Union Commonwealth University, and University of the Cumberlands.
Q: Can I attend the program more than once?
A: No.