Lincoln County students Sierra Potts, Sara-Grace Ramlochan, and Phillip “Woods” Smith graduated from The Center for Rural Development’s 2016 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.
The Rogers Explorers program is an educational leadership program that provides hands-on learning opportunities for middle school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky to build their math, science, and technology skills. Graduates are encouraged to work toward pursuing careers in these in-demand career fields.
“This experience has been incredible,” Potts said. “I’ve been able to take advantage of this opportunity by building my math, science, and technology skills.”
Nearly 180 middle school students attended this year’s Rogers Explorers program. Participants apply when they are in the eighth grade and attend during the summer before the start of their freshman year.
“This year’s class of Rogers Explorers showed that there are many bright, young leaders in our region of Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” said Delaney Stephens, youth programs coordinator and community liaison for The Center. “By participating in this program, Explorers had the opportunity to experience first-hand how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can positively impact our region while also getting a feel for what college life was like.”
The Rogers Explorers program is presented by The Center in partnership with Lindsey Wilson College, University of the Cumberlands, Asbury University, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, and the University of Pikeville.
Potts is the daughter of Stephanie and Tony Potts of Stanford. Ramlochan is the daughter of Jainarine and Loliter Ramlochan of Waynesburg. Smith is the son of T. Hank and Laura Smith of Hustonville.
For more information about Rogers Explorers, contact Delaney Stephens at (606) 677-6000 or email youth@centertech.com. Visit www.centeryouthprograms.com to learn more about youth programs at The Center.