BSCTC establishes flood relief fund for students

Big Sandy Community and Technical College helped Southeast Community and Technical College employees with flood cleanup in Whitesburg.

PRESTONSBURG — Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts throughout Eastern Kentucky during the recent flash flooding that devastated the region.

BSCTC established a student relief fund to help students in need. In conjunction with the Kent Rose Foundation, the college worked with affected communities to provide basic survival necessities until aid organizations arrived. As the requests changed, BSCTC pivoted to form groups to help in the recovery process.

By reaching out to sister schools within the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), Big Sandy was able to help colleagues at Southeast Community & Technical College, and there are plans to work at Hazard Community & Technical College in the coming weeks.

President Telly Sellars of BSCTC led the charge to help neighbors amid the devastation of homes and properties.

“As the community college, we must be working within our communities to show during times of crisis, we are honored to help,” Sellars said.

Morehead State University delivered resources to BSCTC, and the student resource center and BSCTC distributed those items throughout its campuses for students affected by the flooding and those who struggle financially to meet their everyday needs.

BSCTC established the Student Flood Relief Fund for part-time or full-time students affected by the flooding. A link to the application has been set up on the homepage of the college’s website. Funds are based upon application date and need. The funds were donated by BSCTC student groups, employees, KCTCS employees, individual donors, churches, college partners and businesses.

For more information about the Student Flood Relief Fund, contact Kelli Martin at kelli.martin@kctcs or call (606) 889-7358.