Martin County students Hope Caldwell and Madelyn “Maddy” Goble are among 185 students – incoming high school freshmen – from Southern and Eastern Kentucky who have been selected to participate in the 2025 Rogers Explorers Program.

Rogers Explorers is an intensive three-day, two-night summer leadership program presented by The Center for Rural Development in partnership with the University of Pikeville, Union Commonwealth University, Morehead State University, University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College and Eastern Kentucky University.

The program is open to eighth-grade students in The Center’s 45-county primary service area 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.

“The Rogers Explorers Program encourages middle school students to develop their leadership skills, STEM disciplines, and explore new adventures while spending time on a leading Kentucky college campus,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “We’re excited to welcome our 2025 Class of Rogers Explorers and for them to start their journey.”