Several local exemplary students selected to be Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers

The Center for Rural Development has selected several local students to participate in its summer leadership programs.

Rogers Scholars

Corbin High School sophomores Reid Bryant and William Taylor, and Lynn Camp High School sophomore Matthew Garrison will join high school students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky this summer for the 26th annual Rogers Scholars youth leadership program.

Bryant is the daughter of Michael and Rhonda Bryant of Corbin. Taylor is the son of Jim and Shawn Taylor of Corbin. Garrison is the son of Bessie Garrison of Corbin.

Rogers Scholars, The Center’s flagship youth program, was established through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) that “no young person should have to leave home to find his or her future.”

The intensive one-week summer program provides valuable leadership skills and exclusive college scholarship opportunities for high school students in 45 Kentucky counties to build their skills as the region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.

“The Center’s Youth Programs are unique opportunities for our young leaders to make an impact and explore what’s next for them in education and through service to their communities,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “The programs give them the tools they need in order to thrive in their personal goals and how to make an impact in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.”

Each graduate of the Rogers Scholars Program earns potential access to exclusive scholarship opportunities from some of the state’s top-ranked colleges and universities. To be eligible, students must complete a community service project in their hometown.

The 2023 Rogers Scholars Program will take place on June 4-9 on the campus of Morehead State University and June 25-30 on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College. There is no tuition charge to attend the program and lodging and food are provided at no cost to participants.

 Rogers Explorers

Corbin Middle School students Lillian Scearse, Tanner Logan, Laura Newcomb, Eli Skeen, Jackson Willis, Charli-Grace Nartker, Laura Newcomb, and Lynn Camp Middle student Ava Crawford were selected for the 18^th annual Rogers Explorers Program.

Scearse is the daughter of James and Jessica Scearse of Gray. Logan is the son of Brian and Janet Logan of Corbin. Newcomb is the daughter of John and Shera Newcomb of Corbin. Skeen is the son of Levi and Brittany Skeen of Corbin. Willis is the son of Jack and Suzanne Willis of Corbin. Nartker is the daughter of Krystal and Zack Jones and Jacob and Kara Nartker of Corbin. Crawford is the daughter of Jamie L. and Jamie B. Crawford of Corbin.

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.

Explorers is a three-day and two-night program on a leading Kentucky college campus where experts will guide them through hands-on assignments. The program is provided at no cost to eligible students within The Center’s 45-county primary service area.

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 and Union College.

 Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

Corbin High School sophomore Addison Bonham was selected for the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI). Bonham is the daughter of Hailey and Jason Bonham of London.

ELI is a weeklong summer leadership camp for student entrepreneurs. ELI provides high school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky with an in-depth look at what it takes to start their own business venture — from idea development to building a model prototype of their business concept.

The Center for Rural Development partners with Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and Eastern Kentucky University to develop the program. During the camp, ELI business teams will compete in the Business Concept Challenge competition. Members of the winning team will earn a scholarship from EKU.