North Laurel High School sophomore Haley Herrell will get what many past students have called “the experience of a lifetime” this summer and become part of a program that’s providing leadership and scholarship opportunities to the region’s future leaders.

Herrell, 15, will join 60 rising high school students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky for an intensive one-week summer session of Rogers Scholars. The program will be at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset.

Rogers Scholars, named after U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers, emphasizes the development of technological skills and builds in participants a sense of leadership, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to rural Kentucky.

Herrell said she plans to use the experience in Rogers Scholars to enhance her leadership skills, make new friends, and become a stronger individual.

“Rogers Scholars program teaches leadership and team-building skills that will help me reach my full potential,” Herrell said. “The program also provides study in the field of engineering and that is the field I plan to work in when I am older.”

She is a member of the National Honor Society, Bible Drill and softball team. As a community volunteer, Herrell said she has packed food baskets, participated in “I Love to Read Day,” served on a mission trip, and worked with Special Olympics.

“The center is very excited about the Rogers Scholars program this summer,” Jessica Melton, associate director of education and training, said. “We received a large number of applications again this year, and we look forward to meeting all the students who were selected to participate.”

“These students will become our region’s future leaders,” Melton continued. “The Center is anxious to provide them with skills that they need to succeed in life and their future careers.”

Graduates of the center’s flagship youth program are eligible to apply for college scholarships from 13 colleges and universities. The students, who are completing their sophomore year, were selected from the center’s 42-county primary service area to represent their home counties as Rogers Scholars. They will attend one of two week-long summer sessions.

During each of the sessions, scholars will receive hands-on instruction in one of their declared majors — information technology, video production or engineering — participate in a series of team-building leadership exercises, be involved in a community service project, and interact with some of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs and renowned business professionals.

Herrell is the daughter of Joey and Tami Herrell, Hensley Road of East Bernstadt.