Local students named 2009 Rogers Explorers

 Sixty rising ninth-grade students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky —including Myriah Rich from Whitley County and Jonathan Hubbard and Cassidy Phipps from Knox County — will have a chance this summer to develop critical leadership skills, get hands-on experience in science and math, and prepare to become the region’s next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

These students have been selected as Rogers Explorers and will attend one of two summer sessions on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg or at the newest host site in Columbia at Lindsey Wilson College. 

This year’s program has been extended to 32 additional counties within The Center’s primary service area, and a second summer session has been added on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College. These changes will double the number of participants and give more students than ever before an opportunity to experience Rogers Explorers.  

“We are very excited about the expansion of our Rogers Explorers program,” Jessica Melton, associate director of education and training for The Center, said. “This year we will be returning to the University of the Cumberlands as well as expanding our program to the campus of Lindsey Wilson College.”

Rogers Explorers is open to freshmen-to-be with an interest in developing skills in leadership, technology, math, science, entrepreneurship, and community service. Explorers will spend three days and two nights on a college campus participating in hands-on activities and working with professional college instructors.

The Rogers Explorers session at the University of the Cumberlands is scheduled for June 7-9, followed by the second session June 10-12 at Lindsey Wilson College. 

The program is coordinated and supervised by The Center, a non-profit economic development organization based in Somerset, in partnership with the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg and its newest host site at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia. 

“All activities are both educational and fun,” Melton said. “Explorers are able to experience what it is like to be on a college campus, fine-tune leadership skills, and develop a network of friends and resources throughout our region.”  

All lodging, meals, and program expenses (with the exception of transportation to and from the host site) are provided free of charge.

Rich is the daughter of Kristina Morgan and Sgt. Garrett Morgan of Corbin. Hubbard is the son of Michael and Kelli Hubbard of Girdler, Ky. Phipps is the daughter of Arthur C. and Jennifer Phipps of Tower Road, Corbin. They all attend Corbin Middle School.