Three Lawrence County High School students selected to attend the 2019 Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI)

Three Lawrence County High School students were selected to attend The Center for Rural Development’s 2019 Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI). The Center selected junior Sarah Lycans, sophomore Jake Webb, and freshman Steven “SJ” Lycans to represent Lawrence County.

They will join 25 students from across Southern and Eastern Kentucky to attend the week-long camp at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset on July 22-26. ELI is a summer leadership camp for student entrepreneurs. ELI provides high school students in Southern and Eastern Kentucky with an in-depth look at what it takes to start their own business venture — from idea development to building a model prototype of their business concept.

“It’s essential that we begin developing future business owners by engaging today’s youth,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “Our ELI program is an excellent opportunity to bring together a group of like-minded students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky who have a desire for entrepreneurship and possibly starting their own businesses. It is our mission to provide them with the creative skillset and resources they will need in order to be successful entrepreneurs in the future.”

The Center for Rural Development partners with Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and Eastern Kentucky University to develop the program. During the camp, ELI business teams will compete in the Business Concept Challenge competition. Members of the winning team will earn a $16,000 provost scholarship from EKU.

SJ and Sarah Lycans are the children of Steven and Bianca Lycans; and Webb is the son of Dewey and Belinda Webb, all of Louisa.

For more information on ELI or any of The Center’s summer youth leadership programs, contact Allison Cross, community liaison and youth programs coordinator, at 606-677-6000, across@centertech.com, or visit www.centeryouthprograms.com.

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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.