Northern Kentucky University is partnering with The Center for Rural Development to offer a new scholarship for graduates of the Rogers Scholars program, expanding educational opportunities for student leaders from southern and Eastern Kentucky, according to a statement from The Center.
Beginning with the spring of 2027 entering class, students who successfully complete the Rogers Scholars program and enroll at NKU will be eligible to receive the Rogers Scholars housing scholarship of $2,000, the statement said. The award recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities.
The Rogers Scholars program is The Center for Rural Development’s flagship youth leadership initiative. Each year, high school sophomores from Southern and Eastern Kentucky compete for selection into the prestigious program, which prepares students for future leadership through an intensive, weeklong residential experience, the statement said.
This partnership, according to the statement, reflects a shared commitment between NKU and The Center for Rural Development to ensure talented students from rural Kentucky have greater access to higher education while encouraging them to use their education to strengthen the communities they call home.
“The Rogers Scholars program has inspired and equipped thousands of young people to become leaders in their schools and communities,” said Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, president of Northern Kentucky University. “We are proud to partner with The Center for Rural Development to help these outstanding students continue their educational journey at NKU and prepare them to make an even greater impact across the Commonwealth.”
During the program, Rogers Scholars work on building their leadership skills, participate in a series of team-building exercises, receive hands-on instructional training from professional experts in engineering, healthcare, and civic engagement and interact with nationally recognized business leaders and entrepreneurs. The program focuses on developing skills in leadership, technology, entrepreneurship and community service, the statement said.
“I am grateful for Northern Kentucky University’s commitment to invest in a brighter future for all of Kentucky. Realizing the stellar students that are graduating from The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program, NKU is ensuring college housing is more affordable for these high-achieving students from Kentucky’s Appalachian region. I’m proud of our mountain students and the leaders at NKU who are working hard to ensure their college careers are the launching pad for success,” said U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers.
Students selected as Rogers Scholars attend the program at no cost before beginning their junior year of high school. Through NKU’s new partnership with The Center for Rural Development, those students will now have access to scholarship support as they pursue a college degree and prepare for careers that benefit the commonwealth, the statement said.
“We are honored to welcome Northern Kentucky University as a scholarship partner supporting the Rogers Scholars program,” said Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “Their commitment creates new opportunities for our young people to continue their educational journey while preparing to become our region’s next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.”
Since the program’s inception in 1998, more than 1,700 high school students have graduated from Rogers Scholars, with 19 participating colleges and universities offering graduates potential scholarships valued at more than $11 million, according to the statement.