UofL offers scholarships to graduates of Rogers Scholars program

SOMERSET, Ky. (March 27, 2013) — The University of Louisville is offering $10,000 — or $2,500 per year up to four years — in exclusive college scholarships to current and future graduates of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars youth leadership program.

UofL president Dr. James R. Ramsey met Tuesday with U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, R-Ky., and Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center in Somerset to officially announce the partnership and college scholarship opportunities for Rogers Scholars graduates.

“We’re excited to support this initiative, which encourages and rewards great student leaders from Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” Ramsey said. “We’re looking forward to seeing more Rogers Scholars on UofL’s campus this fall and in the years to come.”

Scholarship opportunities will be made available to rising high school juniors within The Center’s 45-county primary service area who graduate from the Rogers Scholars program and meet UofL’s scholarship requirements.

“The Rogers Scholars program is very close to my heart, as it actively fulfills one of the primary needs in our region – providing young people with the best opportunities here at home, so they don’t have to leave Kentucky to follow their dreams,” Rogers said. “When institutions like the University of Louisville recognize the hard work and impressive resumes of Rogers Scholars in the form of scholarship money, it’s a sign of success for our educators and our students. I want to thank President Ramsey for his commitment to support students in our region.”

Rogers Scholars, a one-week summer camp, emphasizes technological skills development and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and commitment to rural Kentucky.

“The scholarships awarded by the University of Louisville will provide a great incentive for the region’s youth to continue their education in a place where they call home,” Lawson said.

Delaney Stephens, who coordinates Rogers Scholars and The Center’s other two youth programs, said the commitment from the University of Louisville represents a significant investment in the region’s next generation of future leaders and entrepreneurs.

“Not only does the University of Louisville recognize the importance of keeping the best and brightest students in the commonwealth, but the university is providing an excellent opportunity to Rogers Scholars graduates by offering this scholarship award,” she said.

Since 1998, approximately 872 high school students have graduated from Rogers Scholars, and potential scholarships valued at more than $7.2 million have been offered from 18 participating partner colleges and universities.