News Summary
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is introducing the PCS 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship, aimed at supporting students in damage prevention training for underground utility lines. Funded by the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the program will offer multiple $2,000 awards for the upcoming academic year to eligible students in relevant programs. This scholarship addresses the pressing need for safety training to prevent accidents involving underground utilities.
FRANKFORT, KY – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has launched a new scholarship program aimed at supporting students in damage prevention training related to underground utility lines. This initiative, known as the PCS 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship, was developed in collaboration with the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) and aims to enhance safety and efficiency in the state’s utility management education.
The PSC has committed $66,000 annually to fund this scholarship program, which will offer multiple awards of $2,000 each for the academic year 2025-26. Eligible students can apply for the scholarship if they are enrolled in relevant programs such as construction technology, heavy equipment operations, or plumbing technology, among others.
The need for such a scholarship has become increasingly apparent due to the ongoing issues concerning “dig-ins” – incidents where utility lines are accidentally damaged during excavation activities. Despite the promotion of the 811 service as a safety measure for those beginning digging projects, there are still significant risks associated with handling underground utility lines. The PSC recognizes that damaged utility lines can not only disrupt essential services but also pose considerable safety risks to the public.
Students wishing to qualify for the PCS 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship must meet specific criteria. They must demonstrate unmet financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0. While the scholarships are not automatically renewable, previous recipients may reapply for further funding in subsequent academic years. Additionally, preference will be given to Kentucky residents who plan to enroll as full-time students.
KCTCS President Ryan Quarles emphasized the significance of this partnership in developing a skilled workforce for Kentucky and enhancing public safety measures when it comes to managing underground utility lines. KCTCS, as the largest provider of workforce training and postsecondary education in the state, enrolls over 110,000 students annually, forming the backbone of Kentucky’s educational and professional training sectors.
The PSC plays a crucial role in regulating over 1,100 utilities across Kentucky, including essential services such as gas, water, sewer, electric, and telecommunications. By introducing this scholarship, both KCTCS and the PSC seek to foster a more knowledgeable workforce dedicated to preventing accidents that can lead to service interruptions and safety hazards.
Overall, the PCS 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship represents a proactive step toward improving education in utility management while simultaneously addressing critical public safety concerns. The collaboration between KCTCS and the PSC underscores a commitment to better prepare students for careers that directly impact community health and safety.
Applications for the PCS 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship will be available in the upcoming academic year, providing eligible students an opportunity to gain essential skills and training in an increasingly important field.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Kentucky PSC Launches Scholarship Fund for Utility Safety Training
Additional Resources
- Glasgow News: KY Public Service Commission & Community College System Offers 811 Scholarships
- Wikipedia: Scholarships
- Kentucky Lantern: New Scholarship for Community College Students
- Google Search: Utility Line Safety Training Scholarships
- Lane Report: PSC and KCTCS Join Forces for 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship
- Google Scholar: Damage Prevention Education
- Time: JD Vance’s Bootstrapped Myth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Utility
- Kentucky Today: State News
- Google News: Kentucky Community College Scholarships
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