Thirty students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky graduated from the second class of The Center for Rural Development’s 2019 Rogers Explorers program held June 5-7 on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University, including three students from Clinton County Middle School.

Ashton Daniels, the daughter of Bozie and Julie York and Evan and Loren Little, the son and daughter of Rodney and Paula Little, all Clinton County Middle School students, were among those 30 students who attended the Rogers Explorers program earlier this month.

Ashton Daniels is shown in the photo above, third from right in the front row, Loren Little is fourth from right in the middle row and Evan Little is far right in the back row.

Rogers Explorers is open to eighth-grade middle school students within 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, Math) fields of study.

“I loved Rogers Explorers,” said Evan Little of Clinton County. “It was a great opportunity for me to learn new things and meet new friends. I would go back and do it again anytime!”

The Center selected a total of 211 students from throughout the region to attend this year’s Rogers Explorers program. Participants spend three days and two nights on a leading Kentucky college campus where experts guide them through hands-on assignments to help build their leadership skills and explore different career pathways.

“For most of these students, this is the first time they will experience life on a college campus setting and to seriously begin thinking about different career choices before they enter their freshman year in high school,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center. “We want to give students the knowledge and tools they need to discover their career pathways and to plan for the future. Congratulations to all of our Rogers Explorers graduates.”

The Rogers Explorers program is presented by The Center in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University, Asbury University, Lindsey Wilson College, University of the Cumberlands, Morehead State University, the University of Pikeville, and Union College. The program is provided tuition-free to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.

For more information about Rogers Explorers, call 606-677-6000 or email Allison Cross at across@centertech.com. Visit centeryouthprograms.com to learn more about the program.