KCTCS Giving Day, April 16, to raise funds to support student success and basic needs

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is launching a 24-hour fundraising challenge on Wednesday, April 16, calling on Kentuckians to help students succeed by supporting their most essential needs—both inside and outside the classroom.

Held during Community College Month, KCTCS Giving Day will raise funds for vital student support programs, including food pantries, scholarships, emergency aid, and greatest-need priorities.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said that understanding the connection between student finances and student success is essential to helping students stay in college until they complete their program. In a 2023 survey of KCTCS students, 58% of students worry about having enough money to pay for college, while 48% reported experiencing food and housing insecurity.

“Too many of our students face food and financial insecurities while trying to build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Quarles. “This 24-hour drive gives us all a chance to help remove those barriers and show students they are not alone. By supporting them now, we’re not only helping them stay on the path to career success —we’re also investing in Kentucky’s future workforce and growing economy.”

To amplify the impact, the campaign has received over $140,000 in matching gifts in several funds across the system — making dollars go further.

“Creating a culture of giving is a top priority of this campaign. Whether it’s $5, $50 or even $500, every gift helps meet students where they are—and gets them where they want to go,” said Megan Stith, executive director of the KCTCS Foundation.

Supporters can go online at https://kctcsgivingday.com through April 16. Donors can designate their gifts to a specific college or the KCTCS Foundation and choose the fund they want to support.

Throughout the day, KCTCS will celebrate donor milestones. Follow along on social feeds at #KCTCSGivingDay.