Sienna Staley has been named a 2013 Rogers Scholar and will be eligible to receive exclusive scholarship opportunities from 18 colleges and universities.

Staley, a student at Clinton County High School, was selected by The Center for Rural Development to build her leadership and entrepreneurial skills as one of the region’s next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs at this summer’s Rogers Scholars program.

Staley is the daughter of Jeremy and Alisha Derryberry.

Rogers Scholars, an intensive one-week summer youth leadership program, brings together rising high school juniors from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky for a one-of-a-kind experience that past participants often describe as “life changing.”

“The Center believes in giving young people in our region a chance to receive leadership and entrepreneurship training, as well as scholarship opportunities so they can seize their potential to become effective, skilled leaders,” Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center, said. “It is our goal that most of these students will return to Southern and Eastern Kentucky to build their careers and transform this region for years to come.”

“The program emphasizes the development of technological skills and builds in participants a sense of leadership, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to rural Kentucky,” Delaney Stephens, Youth Programs Coordinator and Community Liaison for The Center, said.

“We are looking forward to meeting the 2013 Class of Rogers Scholars and working with each participant to develop his or her leadership skills,” Stephens added.

During the program, Scholars get to meet and hear presentations from some of the region’s top business leaders and entrepreneurs; complete a community service project; and receive professional, hands-on instruction from leading experts in one of three top in-demand careers: healthcare, engineering, and video production.