The Center for Rural Development selects local students as 2024 Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers

The Center for Rural Development has selected seven students from the Tri-County area to attend the 2024 Rogers Scholars Youth Leadership Program, and eight Whitley County studentss to participate in the 2024 Rogers Explorers Program.

Rogers Scholars

Corbin High School’s Adelyn Wilson and BJ Jackson, Lynn Camp High School’s Lauren Partin, Knox Central High School’s Ellie Collins, Barbourville High School’s Braylee Callebs, North Laurel High School’s Kara Smallwood, and South Laurel High School’s Tanner Sams will join 93 other high school students from 42 other Kentucky counties this summer for the 27^th Annual Rogers Scholars Program.

This is a record number of students and the largest class to ever attend the program.

Rogers Scholars, which is The Center for Rural Development’s flagship youth program, is an intensive one-week summer program that provides valuable leadership skills and exclusive college scholarship opportunities for rising high school juniors in Southern and Eastern Kentucky to build their skills as the region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.

“For the first time in the history of the program, we are expanding Rogers Scholars to give more young people in our region a chance to share in this amazing experience,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “We have invited 100 of the best and brightest minds to come together this summer to strengthen their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, plan for their futures, and a develop a passion for community service.”

The 2024 Rogers Scholars Programs will be held on the campuses of Lindsey Wilson College (June 23-28) and Morehead State University (July 7-12). Graduation will be held at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset. There is no tuition charge to attend. All lodging, meals, and program expenses (except for transportation to and from the program) are offered at no cost to the student.

Wilson is the daughter of Beth and Travis Wilson of Corbin. Jackson is the son of Brent and Jenni Lou Jackson of Corbin. Partin is the daughter of Keith and Stephanie Partin of Corbin.

Collins is the daughter of Derek and Amy Collins of Barbourville. Callebs is the daughter of Jonathan and Samantha Callebs of Girdler.

Smallwood is the daughter of Jessica and Steve Smallwood of London. Sams is the son of Logan and Brittany Sams of London.

Rogers Scholars was established in 1998 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) that “no young person should have to leave their home to find his or her future.”

The program is open to current high school sophomores in 45 counties of Southern and Eastern Kentucky who have a strong interest in developing skills in leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, and community service. Students must live in a county located within The Center’s primary service area to apply for Rogers Scholars.

Rogers Explorers

Corbin Middle School will be represented in the 2024 Rogers Explorers Program by Gabriela “Gabbie” Burns, daughter of Angelia Burns; Kalley Stewart, daughter of Kristy Stewart; Allison Neeley, daughter of John and Elizabeth Neeley; Elijah “Eli” Bailey, son of Adam and Teddie Bailey; Joshua “Bidge” Rookstool, son of Rob and Amber Rookstool; and Chloe Trivette, daughter of Chase and Amy Trivette.

Attending from Williamsburg Independent School will be Pascual White, son of Pat and Beverly White, and Marissa Meadors, daughter of Dan and Kayla Faye Meadors and Cristal and Estill McFarland.

“The Rogers Explorers Program encourages middle school students to develop their leadership skills and explore new adventures while spending time on a leading Kentucky college campus,” said Lawson. “We’re excited to welcome our 2024 Class of Rogers Explorers and for them to start their journey.”

Rogers Explorers is open to eighth-grade students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky who have a strong interest in developing their skills in leadership, team building, community service, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields of study.

This summer, approximately 184 Explorers will be spending three days and two nights on one of six partner Kentucky colleges or universities. While on campus, they will learn valuable leardership skills, complete a community service project, and participate in hands-on learning.

Rogers Explorers is presented by The Center for Rural Development in partnership with Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, University of the Cumberlands, University of Pikeville and Union College.