News Summary
The Kentucky Public Service Commission has launched the PSC 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship, providing $66,000 annually to support students in community colleges pursuing credentials in construction technology, heavy equipment operations, and plumbing technology. Each scholarship is worth $2,000 and focuses on training for safe management of underground utility lines, aligning with the 811 service initiative. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a 2.0 GPA, contributing to workforce development and safety standards across Kentucky.
Frankfort, Kentucky – The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the establishment of a new scholarship fund aimed at aiding students at Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges (KCTCS). With an annual allocation of $66,000, the PSC 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship will focus on training students to ensure the safe management and locating of underground utility lines.
The scholarships will support educational programs in construction technology, heavy equipment operations, and plumbing technology across ten community and technical colleges in Kentucky. Each scholarship will be valued at $2,000 and is planned to be available for the 2025-26 academic year. Financial support can be used for tuition, course fees, books, supplies, and other educational necessities, as determined by KCTCS.
The scholarship initiative aligns with the “Call Before You Dig” effort, which encourages individuals to utilize the 811 service prior to any excavation activities. This service is critical for ensuring the safety of both workers and the public by identifying underground utility lines before digging. The PSC chair emphasized the severe dangers posed by damaged utility lines, including potential service interruptions, property damage, and risks to life.
Despite established awareness campaigns urging the use of 811, incidents of digging into utility lines remain common. The new scholarship program aims to better educate future workers responsible for maintaining safety around these critical infrastructure components. PSC data indicates that on average, there are around 1,000 utility line incidents each year, many of which result in significant damage or pose dangers to individuals.
Eligibility and Application Process
Students interested in applying for the scholarship must demonstrate unmet financial need as assessed by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Recipients must be pursuing relevant credentials and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference will be given to Kentucky residents who are enrolling or are already enrolled as full-time students.
Scholarships will not automatically renew; however, students who have previously received the scholarship may reapply in future academic years. This initiative is expected to aid students like current KCTCS student Brian Sizemore, who indicated that the scholarship will facilitate the purchase of essential equipment for his certification in heavy equipment operation.
Importance of the Scholarship and Workforce Development
KCTCS President has stated that this scholarship plays a vital role in developing a skilled workforce, ultimately enhancing safety throughout Kentucky. With Kentucky’s ongoing need for qualified professionals in construction and utility management, such initiatives are poised to meet these workforce demands effectively.
Funding for the PSC 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship comes from penalties charged to companies that do not adhere to existing safety regulations. This fund is designed not only to support students but also to contribute to greater safety standards across the state.
KCTCS Graduation Statistics
The scholarship initiative arrives at a time when KCTCS has witnessed unprecedented growth within its graduating classes, with over 24,000 students earning their degrees in the past year, setting a record. Remarkably, it is reported that approximately 70% of KCTCS graduates choose to remain in their home counties after graduation, which further contributes to local economic development and safety in the community.
In summary, the Kentucky Public Service Commission’s introduction of the 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship represents a proactive step towards enhancing education in utility management and ensuring future safety in infrastructure development throughout the state.
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Additional Resources
- NKY Tribune: New Scholarship for Community College Students
- Wikipedia: Utility Line
- Spectrum News: KCTCS 811 Scholarships
- Google Search: Scholarships for Community College Students
- NKY Tribune: Catholic Charities to Host 2025 Cassba Fundraiser
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
- Kentucky Lantern: Coalition Plan for Ohio River Basin
- Google News: Ohio River Basin Restoration
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