The Center for Rural Development is accepting applications for the 2026 Rogers Scholars and Rogers Explorers summer youth leadership programs. Students may apply online at centeryouthprograms.com through Jan. 31, 2026.

Rogers Scholars (current 10th graders) provides valuable leadership skills and exclusive college scholarship opportunities for high school students to seize their potential as the region’s next generation of leaders. Scholars spend one week on the campus of Lindsey Wilson University or Morehead State University.

Rogers Explorers (current eighth graders) focuses on leadership development, technology, teamwork, and career pathway exploration in STEM and other fields. Explorers spend three days and two nights on one of the following college campuses: Lindsey Wilson University, University of the Cumberlands, Eastern Kentucky University, Union Commonwealth University, University of Pikeville or Morehead State University.

Eligible students must live within The Center’s 45-county primary service area, which includes: Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe.

Applications for both Rogers Scholars and Rogers Explorers must be submitted online by Jan. 31, 2026, at centeryouthprograms.com.

For more information, contact Amber Decker or Amy Ellis at 606-677-6000 or email youth@centertech.com.