Rogers Explorers’ deadline is April 4

Commonwealth Journal

Tue, May 13 2008

— Eighth-grade students in Pulaski and nine other Kentucky counties have until Friday, April 4, to apply for 30 available spots on Rogers Explorers, a summer youth program sponsored by The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.
Rogers Explorers is a hands-on, comprehensive educational program that focuses on defining skills in four core areas of study: mathematics, science, engineering and community service. The program is tailored toward graduating eighth-grade students to help them expand their academic and leadership skills before they make the transition to high school in the fall.
Students selected for the program will spend three days and two nights on the campus of The University of the Cumberlands, a private liberal arts college in Williamsburg. The Center has partnered with the South-eastern Kentucky College to be the host site for Rogers Explorers on June 1-3.
“Explorers are able to participate in four core areas – all taught by professionals and experts – as well as become exposed to a college environment,” said Jessica Melton, youth programs coordinator for The Center, the program sponsor. “We encourage students to utilize what they have learned to help with the transition from eighth-grade to high school and ultimately encourage their long-term commitment to the region.”
Rogers Explorers provides students the opportunity to fine tune leadership skills, participate in hands-on college courses and develop a network of friends, contacts and resources throughout southern and eastern Kentucky.
“Activities will be both educational and fun. The students will be able to meet people and enjoy experiences that allow them to broaden their horizons and consider their future from a new and different perspective,” said Melton.
Applicants will be selected from a pool of candidates from Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne and Whitley counties.
All expenses, including lodging, meals and program expenses (with the exception of transportation to and from the host site), will be paid for by the program sponsor. Rogers Explorers is coordinated and supervised by The Center, a non-profit organization headquartered in Somerset which provides economic and community development programs to residents in a 42-county area of southern and eastern Kentucky. The program is modeled after the highly successful Rogers Scholars, a youth leadership program founded in 1997 by U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, R-Somerset, for rising high school juniors.
Applicants must submit a copy of their high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation along with their application.
For an application and more information on Rogers Explorers, visit The Center Web site:
www.centertech.com
contact Melton at:
jmelton@centertech.com
or call 606-677-6000.