STANFORD — Three Lincoln County students have been invited to build their math, science and technology skills this summer as participants in The Center for Rural Development’s 2012 Rogers Explorers youth leadership program.
Lincoln County Middle School students Craigory Coppola, Sammy Griffin and Jonathon Kirk were selected from 187 applicants from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky to strengthen their academic skills and begin working toward future careers in some of the country’s most demanding career fields.
Craigory is the son of Vincent and Becky Coppola of Stanford. Sammy is the son of Joy and Bill Griffin of Stanford. Jonathon is the son of John and Lisa Kirk of Brodhead.
“Rogers Explorers was formed in 2006 as a means to reach more young people within the center’s 42-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 through Tuesady; June 6-8, University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg; July 18-20, Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond; and July 22-24 at the newest host site at Morehead State University in Morehead,.
Thirty rising ninth-grade students will attend each of the four summer sessions of Rogers Explorers, making this the largest class of participants in the history of the program.
“Rogers Explorers gives students a one-of-a-kind learning experience, as we open their eyes to the vast potential in the plentiful careers in math and science,” said Delaney Stephens, youth programs coordinator and community liaison for The Center. “They will also develop a lifelong network of friends, and will build essential skills that will help them become the region’s next generation of leaders.”
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.
