Clinton County’s Haley Dicken and Mackenzie Polston, have been invited to enhance their leadership, math, science, and technology skills this summer as a participant in The Center for Rural Development’s 2013 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.

Dicken, a student from Russell County Middle School is the daughter of Eric and Kim Dicken.

Polston, a student from Clinton County Middle School is the daughter of Terry and Kim Polston.

They were selected from 383 applicants from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky to strengthen academic skills and begin working toward a future career in some of the country’s most demanding career fields.

“Rogers Explorers was formed in 2006 as a means to reach more young people within The Center’s 45-county primary service area, and to focus on leading students into in-demand careers in our region,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center. “The Center has partnered with four Kentucky colleges and universities to host our Explorer camps on their campuses to give these students hands-on experience in a college environment. By doing so, we help them see the value of higher education and prepare them for success.”

This year’s sessions of Rogers Explorers will be held on the campuses of Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, June 2-4; University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, June 5-7; Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, July 21-23; and Morehead State University in Morehead, July 24-26.

As Rogers Explorers, participants spend three days and two nights on a college campus, where experts guide them through hands-on assignments, all of which encourage creative thinking and teamwork and build leadership skills.

The program is presented tuition-free to participants and hosted in partnership with the University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, and Morehead State University.