811 Call Before You Dig: KCTCS, PSC join forces to upskill college students, protect public safety through scholarships

Published on Jul 10, 2025

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) are joining forces to upskill Kentucky’s future workforce in damage prevention through a new scholarship program for KCTCS students.

At a news conference earlier today, the partners launched the PSC 811 Damage Prevention Scholarship. The 811 Damage Prevention program, commonly known as the “Call Before You Dig” program, is an important part of keeping Kentucky’s underground utility facilities safe and secure.

Through the partnership, the PSC is providing a $66,000 annual scholarship fund to support KCTCS students with training for how to safely locate and manage underground utility lines.

“At the PSC, we recognize that damaged lines interrupt vital services, damage property, and, in the case of gas and electric lines, can even cause injury or death,” said Kentucky Public Service Commission Chair Angie Hatton. “Despite ongoing efforts to promote the use of 811, dig-ins continue to happen. That’s why we partnered with KCTCS to sponsor these scholarships—to better educate the future workforce that will be responsible for working around underground utilities.”

Training supported by the scholarship will be offered in three KCTCS programs: construction technology, heavy equipment operations and plumbing technology at 10 community and technical colleges across the state.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said the partnership extends beyond financial support, calling it a “win-win for our students, economy and public safety.”

“This partnership is about opening doors to hands-on careers that are in high demand,” Quarles said. “It’s about giving students the skills and training they need to be job-ready on day one, while also strengthening Kentucky’s workforce and investing in our local communities.”

The PSC’s funding will support $2,000 scholarships during the 2025-26 academic year. The funds may be used for tuition, course fees, books, supplies and other education-related expenses, as approved by KCTCS. Scholarships are not automatically renewable, but previous recipients may reapply and be considered for future awards.

To qualify, students must have unmet financial need as determined by the FAFSA and be credential seeking with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Preference will be given to Kentucky residents enrolled full time or planning to enroll full time.

“We’re proud to be part of growing this essential workforce -- one that’s helping build a safer and stronger Kentucky,” Quarles added.