The Center for Rural Development has selected five Martin County students to participate in its summer leadership programs.
Rogers Scholars Ashdon Kerr, a current sophomore at Martin County High School, will join high school students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky this summer for the 25th annual Rogers Scholars youth leadership program.
She is the daughter of James and Amy Kerr 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 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 2022 Rogers Scholars Program will take place June 5-10 on the campus of Morehead State University and July 24-29 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
Three eighth-graders from Martin County Middle School were selected for the 17th annual Rogers Explorers Program – Dovie Harless, Addison Kerr and Abbey Osborn.
Harless is the daughter of David and Michelle Harless of Louisa.
Kerr is the daughter of James and Amy Kerr of Inez.
Osborn is the daughter of Donnie and Jessica Osborn of Beauty.
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, Asbury University, University of the Cumberlands, and Union College.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute Kennedy Mills, a ninth-grader at Martin County High School, was selected for the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute.
She is the daughter of Misty Mills of Tomahawk.
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.
For more information about The Center’s youth programs, contact Allison Cross, community liaison and youth programs coordinator at The Center, at across@centertech.com or call 606-677-6000.