Clay County Middle School students Nick Alevras, Evan Hensley, and Aaron Smith have graduated from The Center for Rural Development’s 2012 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.

Twenty-nine rising ninth-grade students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky graduated from the 2012 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program held July 18-20 on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond. Graduates included Lauren Wethington, Casey County; Nick Alevras, Evan Hensley, and Aaron Smith, Clay County; Kaitlin Jenkins, Harlan County; Parisa ShamaeiZadeh, Johnson County; Craigory Coppola, Auston Kirk, and Sammy Griffin, Lincoln County; Kara Beth Williams, Lee County; Kennedy Harbison and Sarah Deckard, Metcalfe County; Ashlin Trivett and Avery York, Monroe County; Sarah Estep, Lillie Eastham, Aubrey Kelley, Lauren Maynard, Shea Minton, Savannah Muse, Brian Rutherford, Molly Smith, and Ashley Wahlman, Pulaski County; Clay Ackerman, Russell County; Jilly Bruns, Sarah Dickens, and Danielle Dickens, Taylor County; Davis McCracken, Wayne County; and January L. Moore, Wolfe County.

The students put their math, science, and technology skills to work this summer attending the Rogers Explorers program from July 18-20 on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond.

They were among 29 students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky to participate and graduate from this session of Rogers Explorers and start building their leadership skills and future in some of the nation’s top in-demand careers.

“These students are the region’s future business and entrepreneurial leaders,” said Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center. “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 further develop their math, science, and technology skills.

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

“It is encouraging to see these students in the Rogers Explorers program have their eyes on the future,” said Delaney Stephens, youth programs coordinator and community liaison for The Center. “By participating in this program, they have the unique opportunity to receive hands-on instruction in today’s high-demand math and science careers.”

The Rogers Explorers program is presented by The Center, a nonprofit organization in Somerset, to rising ninth-grade students within its 42-county primary service area in partnership with the University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson College, Eastern Kentucky University, and Morehead State 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.