The Center for Rural Development has selected four Martin County students to participate in its summer leadership programs.
Rogers Scholars
Erikson Kirk Mills, a current sophomore at Martin County High School, will join high school students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky this summer for the 26th annual Rogers Scholars youth leadership program. Mills is the son of Eric and Carolea Mills of Inez.
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 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 free to participants.
Rogers Explorers
Martin County Middle School eighth graders Joseph Maynard, Caroline Mills and Faith Caldwell were selected for the 18th annual Rogers Explorers Program.
Maynard is the son of Joe and Tegan Maynard of Inez; Mills is the daughter of Carolea and Eric Mills of Inez; Caldwell is the daughter of Tracy Caldwell of Inez.
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 guide participants 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.
For more information about The Center’s youth programs, contact Amber Decker, community liaison and youth programs coordinator at The Center, at adecker@centertech.com or call 606-677-6000.
Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.
