WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Booth Scholars Program -- a scholarship program launched eight years ago to help rural students prepare for college through summer classes, trips abroad and access to new technology -- has been cut in half.

That has been quite a blow for middle school students who typically would not be that concerned about the economy. But Wayne County eighth grade students Richard Alexander and Kayla Blake counted on the Booth Scholars Program to help them prepare for college.

"I've heard it's a good program to get in to," Richard said. "I'm trying to get scholarships and plan ahead."

Students such as Richard and Kayla apply for the scholarship and, if selected, they spend four years visiting colleges, going on European trips and even getting their own laptop computers.

Brenda Napier, director of the program, said the program has been cut in half because its founder Alex Booth -- like many people -- has been adversely affected by the economic slowdown.

"All of his holdings are in stock," Napier said. "Now, we have to reevaluate and rewrite (the scholarships)."

The bad news hit former booth scholar Danyelle Clark hard because the program offered her a chance of a lifetime -- traveling overseas, as well as other opportunities.

"I don't come from an educated family," Danyelle said. "Now, I'll be the first to get a degree in my family and possibly be a doctor."

For now, the scholarship applications will have to wait.

"Maybe something will happen in the next couple years and we can do it as juniors," Kayla said.

Napier said there's no word yet if the Booth Scholars Program will be canceled altogether; that depends on the economy.