The families of workers who have been catastrophically or fatally injured on the job face many concerns, and affording higher education is one of them.

One organization, Kids’ Chance of America, tries to help by providing scholarships to the children of such workers.

To let more people know about the Pottstown, Pennsylvania-based organization, Kids’ Chance Awareness Week 2016 begins today and continues through Nov. 18.

The mission of Kids’ Chance, to provide scholarships to children of catastrophically or fatally injured workers, also has gained national attention with the White House and President Obama recognizing Kids’ Chance and the importance of its awareness week.

Collectively, Kids’ Chance organizations have awarded 5,593 scholarships across the country, totaling more than $16.5 million. In 2015, scholarship applications increased significantly, but there are likely more students in need of assistance.

The staff, volunteers and board of directors at Kids’ Chance of America believe they can make a significant difference in the lives of all children affected by a workplace injury by helping them pursue and achieve their educational goals. Kids’ Chance Awareness Week is designed to increase visibility through outreach events in each state to spread the word about Kids’ Chance scholarship opportunities.

Kids’ Chance unites workers’ comp community

Mark Walls, vice president of communications and strategic analysis for Safety National, says, “As a carrier that specializes in catastrophic workplace accidents, Safety National frequently handles death and permanent total disability claims. Becoming a Kids Chance partner was an opportunity for us further assist and it was a perfect extension of our charitable efforts.

“For me personally,” he adds, “hearing the stories from the scholarship winners always makes me tear up. These students have overcome tremendous personal adversity, and Kids’ Chance gives them an opportunity to attend college that may not have happened otherwise.

“As a member of the board of directors for Kids Chance, our hope is that Kids Chance Awareness Week assists not only in fundraising efforts, but also in identifying potential scholarship recipients,” Walls explains. “This is truly one thing that unites everyone in the workers’ compensation community including employers, attorneys, carriers, (third-part administrators) and regulators.”

There are currently 36 Kids’ Chance state organizations with several others in development. The organization’s goal is to establish a Kids’ Chance presence in every state so that all eligible students have the opportunity for assistance.

For more information, visit the Kids’ Chance website.

Special Reports /

Kids&rsquo; Chance of America celebrates 2016 Awareness Week

Related Stories

Recommended For You

Kids’ Chance of America celebrates 2016 Awareness Week