VERSAILLES, Ky. — Kentucky Community and Technical College System announced it had raised over $1.5 million in its first annual KCTCS Giving Day.

In a news release celebrating the achievement, KCTCS said over 1,000 donors in 27 states contributed to the effort. The funds will be used for need-based scholarships, food pantries, emergency aid, enrichment programs and other initiatives at the state’s 16 community colleges. All the programs are aimed at easing financial needs for students so they can stay in college and complete their programs.

“I’m so impressed with the way our alumni, communities, partners, campuses and employees came together to support KCTCS in this inaugural effort,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “There are a lot of people and businesses who want to support our students and our programs, and we look forward to expanding this event and working with them on this in the future.”

KCTCS shared that a recent student survey revealed 45% of respondents said they were worried about running out of food before they had money to buy more. The survey showed of students reporting stress about their current financial situation, 33% said it was sometimes stressful, 28% found it often stressful and 25% said it was always stressful.

More than 400 first-time donors gave to the campaign, with alumni contributing the largest number of gifts, according to KCTCS.

“The tremendous support from donors shows the impact KCTCS makes not only across Kentucky, but nationally, with gifts coming to our colleges from 27 states,” said Megan Stith, KCTCS acting associate vice president of philanthropy. “We look forward to showing donors the results of their gifts as we put them to work building better lives.”

KCTCS is Kentucky’s largest postsecondary education system with an annual enrollment of over 100,000 students.