KCTCS Giving Day Raises Over $350,000 to Support Students
SKYCTC Raises $24,350 During Giving Day
Gifts are ‘lifelines and launchpads for students striving toward brighter futures’
More than 1,100 donors from 28 states and 91 Kentucky counties came together to raise over $350,000 during the second annual KCTCS Giving Day — a 24-hour fundraising event dedicated to supporting students in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
The funds raised will help ease financial barriers for students by supporting need-based scholarships, campus food pantries, emergency aid, enrichment programs, and other student-focused initiatives across KCTCS’s 16 colleges.
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) stood out during the campaign, raising $24,350 from 92 donors — placing SKYCTC among the top five KCTCS colleges for total funds raised.
“Nearly 50% of the gifts came from faculty and staff,” said Heather Rogers, Executive Director of the SKYCTC Foundation. “We reached 100% participation from both the College and Foundation boards of directors. The bottom line is our students will benefit greatly from these efforts! We’re lucky to have such dedicated and engaged employees. We thank everyone who gave for being such an important part of SKYCTC!”
KCTCS President Ryan Quarles emphasized the broader impact of the day’s success.
“I’m deeply grateful for the financial support from all of our communities — alumni, partners, employees and businesses,” said Quarles. “Your contributions are more than just gifts; they are lifelines and launchpads for students striving toward brighter futures.”
The need for such support remains critical. A 2023 KCTCS student survey revealed that 58% of students worry about affording college, and 48% report experiencing food or housing insecurity.
This year’s Giving Day focused on increasing participation, with a 28% increase in total gifts compared to last year. Faculty, staff, and retirees made up 64% of donors, while alumni contributed 22%. Friends of the colleges accounted for 17%, board members 7%, and students 5%.
The KCTCS Foundation also launched several giving challenges to encourage participation. Highlights include:
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College raised the highest total amount and the most in student emergency fund donations.
- Elizabethtown Community and Technical College received the highest number of total gifts.
- Hazard Community and Technical College had the most combined gifts from alumni and students.
“Thanks to your generosity, we came together to support our students in the ways they need it most,” said Megan Stith, Executive Director of the KCTCS Foundation. “Whether it’s food, housing, or other essentials, your gifts will help more students accomplish their educational goals.”
To learn more about supporting SKYCTC students locally go to: Ways to Give
