Clinton County students Ben Tallent, Eli Rains, Moriah Moons, and Bryson Cross recently graduated from The Center for Rural Development’s 2018 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.

The Rogers Explorers program is an educational leadership program that provides hands-on learning opportunities for middle school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky to build their math, science, and technology skills. Graduates are encouraged to work toward pursuing careers in these in-demand career fields.

“It was awesome! I loved the live video conference with Dr. Tracie Prater from NASA at the space center,” said Bryson Cross. “It was also great meeting new friends and working together on the community service project. I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity.”

Two hundred and eight students attended this year’s Rogers Explorers program. Participants apply when they are in the eighth grade and attend during the summer before the start of their freshman year.

“Students in the Rogers Explorers program are at a crucial turning point in their academic careers. This program opens the door for them to explore options in post-secondary education,” said Allison Cross, Community Liaison and Youth Programs Coordinator at The Center. “It provides them with the knowledge and tools they will need to discover their own pathway for the future.”

The Rogers Explorers program was created and hosted by The Center in partnership with Lindsey Wilson College, University of the Cumberlands, Asbury University, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, University of Pikeville, and Union College.

Ben Tallent attended Rogers Explorers at Eastern Kentucky University; he is the son of Eddie and Kendra Tallent.

Eli Rains attended Rogers Explorers at Lindsey Wilson College; he is the son of Peggy Stearns.

Bryson Cross attend Rogers Explorers at Union College; he is the son of Susan and Richard Cross.

Moriah Moons attended Rogers Explorers at Morehead State University; she is the daughter of Chris and Marsha Moons.

The application period for the 2019 Rogers Explorers program will be announced soon. For more information about Rogers Explorers, call 606-677-6000 or email across@centertech.com. Visit www.centeryouthprograms.com to learn more about other youth programs at The Center.

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 in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.

2018 Rogers Explorers graduate Eli Rains received a certificate for completing the program at Lindsey Wilson College. Rains will be a freshman at Clinton County High School beginning this Fall.

Allison Cross, Youth Programs Coordinator and Community Liaison for The Center, presents 2018 Rogers Explorers graduate Ben Tallent with a certificate for completing the program at Eastern Kentucky University. Tallent will be a freshman at Clinton County High School beginning this Fall.

Allison Cross, Youth Programs Coordinator and Community Liaison for The Center, presents 2018 Rogers Explorers graduate Bryson Cross with a certificate for completing the program at Union College. Cross will be a freshman at Clinton County High School beginning this Fall.

Allison Cross, Youth Programs Coordinator and Community Liaison for The Center, presents 2018 Rogers Explorers graduate Moriah Moons with a certificate for completing the program at Morehead State University. Moons will be a freshman at Clinton County High School beginning this Fall.