Funding program launched for community college students intended to safeguard power and network connections
In an effort to educate the future workforce responsible for working around underground utilities, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced a new scholarship programme. The PSC 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship, also known as the "Call Before You Dig" scholarship, is designed to support students pursuing careers in construction technology, heavy equipment operations, and plumbing technology at 10 community and technical colleges in Kentucky.
The scholarship, which carries an annual fund of $66,000, will sponsor $2,000 scholarships during the 2025-26 academic year. To qualify, students must have unmet financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Preference will be given to Kentucky residents enrolled full-time or planning to enroll full-time.
The scholarship aims to prevent damage to utility lines, which can interrupt vital services, damage property, and in some cases, cause injury or death. Damaged utility lines are a persistent issue despite ongoing efforts to promote the use of 811, the national call-before-you-dig programme.
KCTCS President Ryan Quarles expressed pride in being part of growing an essential workforce that builds a safer and stronger Kentucky. He emphasised the importance of the scholarship in equipping students with the necessary skills to work around underground utilities safely and effectively.
The application process for the PSC 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship is likely to involve submitting an application form through the college's financial aid or scholarship office. Candidates may be assessed based on academic merit, financial need, and interest or career goals related to damage prevention.
For exact details, students are encouraged to check the official PSC 811 website or the Kentucky Community and Technical College System scholarship pages. These are the most reliable sources for specific instructions and requirements for the scholarship.
By taking advantage of this opportunity, students can not only alleviate some of their financial burdens but also contribute to a safer and more resilient infrastructure in Kentucky.
In this scholarships program, students in Kentucky will receive education in construction technology, heavy equipment operations, and plumbing technology at community and technical colleges, funded by the PSC 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship. Aimed at the future workforce responsible for handling underground utilities, the scholarship's goal is to prevent utility line damage that can cause service interruptions, property damage, or even death. Additionally, the scholarship programme, with an annual fund of $66,000, will provide $2,000 scholarships in the 2025-26 academic year, focusing on students with unmet financial needs as determined by FAFSA and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
