Clinton County Middle School students Carrie McClellan and Carley Miller have graduated from The Center for Rural Development’s 2012 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.

The students put their math, science, and technology skills to work this summer attending the opening session of the Rogers Explorers program from June 3-5 on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia.

Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, and Delaney Stephens, youth programs coordinator and community liaison, presented each of the students with a certificate of appreciation on the final day of the session acknowledging their completion in this year’s Rogers Explorers program.

“These students are the region’s future business and entrepreneurial leaders,” Lawson said. “The Rogers Explorers program gives students hands-on experience in a college environment and lets them see the value of higher education while preparing them for success.”

Rogers Explorers spend three days and two nights on a leading college campus where they work with experts to build their math, science, and technology skills and explore careers in these in-demand career fields.

The program provides leadership opportunities and unique learning experiences for middle school graduates about to begin their freshman year in high school.

“It is inspirational to work with such a bright group of young leaders from Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” Stephens said. “What an engaging session of the 2012 Rogers Explorers at Lindsey Wilson College.”

Other summer sessions of Rogers Explorers are held on the campuses of the University of the Cumberlands, Morehead State University, and Eastern Kentucky University.

For more information about Rogers Explorers or other youth program opportunities, contact Delaney Stephens, youth programs coordinator and community liaison, at 606-677-6000 or email youth@centertech.com.