The Center for Rural Development announces 181 students have been selected to attend 2026 Rogers Explorers
A total of 181 students – rising high school freshmen – from Southern and Eastern Kentucky have been selected to participate in the 2026 Rogers Explorers Program.
Rogers Explorers is an intensive three-day, two-night summer leadership program presented by The Center for Rural Development in partnership with the University of Pikeville, Union Commonwealth University, Morehead State University, University of the Cumberlands, Lindsey Wilson University, and Eastern Kentucky University.
The program is open to eighth-grade students across The Center’s 45-county service area who have a strong interest in developing their skills in leadership, team building, community service, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics).
“The Rogers Explorers Program gives rising ninth-grade students the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, engage with STEAM fields, and experience new challenges while on a Kentucky college campus,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “We look forward to welcoming the 2026 class as they begin this exciting journey.”
Students selected for the 2026 Rogers Explorers Program are listed below by county:
Johnson County
- Mark Jacob Greene
- Kadence Jarrell
- Layla Short
- Aiden Watts
- Taylor Spriggs
- Jaxon Sturgill
Lawrence County
- Jordan Gibbons
- Raina Harris
- Paisley Jones
- Liam Ferrell
- Weston Robinson
- Zoe Robertson
Magoffin County
- Jackson Hoskins
- Alliana Fyffe
- Baylee Hatfield
- Anneliese Oliver
Martin County
- Kennedy Mills
- Aubree Muncy
- Zoe Sammons
Carter County
- Randall Riffe
The Rogers Explorers Program will be held at Morehead State University, June 9-11; Eastern Kentucky University, June 23-25; Union Commonwealth University, June 29-July 1; University of the Cumberlands, July 6-8; University of Pikeville, July 14-16; and Lindsey Wilson University, July 21-23.
For more information about Rogers Explorers, please call 606-677-6000, visitwww.centeryouthprograms.com, or email youth@centertech.com.
Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, (KY-05), and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.
