High school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky can now get an early start on applying for the 2010 summer sessions of the Rogers Scholars and Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI) youth programs sponsored and hosted by The Center for Rural Development.

Applications for both programs have been posted online and may be downloaded and printed from the Rogers Scholars Web site at www.rogersscholars.com or The Center for Rural Development’s Web site, www.centertech.com, where visitors can find the application form for ELI.

All applications must be printed on paper, completed, and mailed to The Center for Rural Development at 2292 South Highway 27, Suite 300, Somerset, Ky. 42501. Applications for both programs must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2010.

Rogers Scholars and ELI focus on developing business and entrepreneurial skills, and encourage participants to ultimately use those skills in positions of leadership in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

Rogers Scholars is an intensive one-week summer session for rising high school juniors in The Center’s primary 42-county service area. The program emphasizes the development of technology skills and builds in participants a sense of leadership, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to rural Kentucky.

Graduates of Rogers Scholars are eligible to apply for college scholarships from 13 participating Kentucky colleges and universities.

High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a specific interest in business and entrepreneurship can apply for a one-week summer session of ELI. The program promotes creativity and teamwork, and building business and leadership skills.

Members of ELI’s first-place business concept team are eligible to receive a Presidential Scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky. The winning team also will be recognized at the 2010 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards (EIEA) program scheduled for next fall at The Center in Somerset.

Lodging, meals, and program expenses (excluding transportation costs to and from host site) for both programs are provided free of charge to participating students.

The dates for 2010 Rogers Scholars sessions are June 27-July 2 and July 11-16. ELI will be held during the week of June 13-18. Both programs are held on the grounds of The Center.

For more information or to schedule a school visit to discuss either Rogers Scholars or ELI, please contact Jessica Melton, associate director of education and training, at 606-677-6000 or via e-mail at jmelton@centertech.com.