Children suffer both emotionally and economically when a parent dies or becomes severely disabled in a work-related accident. College plans, for example, often get shoved to the back burner.
But there is a way for families to overcome this harsh reality: Kids’ Chance, a non-profit organization, offers educational opportunities and scholarships to children affected by workplace fatalities and catastrophic injuries. Kids’ Chance of America and its state chapters are supported by a coalition of groups within the workers’ compensation system, including attorneys and the judiciary; insurers, medical providers, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and employers. S. Woods Bennett, president of the Kids’ Chance of America Board of Directors, said the organization fills a niche not addressed in workers’ compensation and benefits systems.
“Workers’ compensation benefits only go so far,” said Mr. Bennett, a Maryland workers’ compensation defense attorney. “In most cases, state workers’ compensation laws and national programs such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the Black Lung Benefits Act do not provide benefits for children of injured workers to help them with their educational expenses.
“When there is a material impact on the income of the family, Kids’ Chance steps in and provides scholarship assistance so children can pursue their educational goals.”
Kids’ Chance Outreach
Since the first Kids’ Chance scholarship was awarded in Georgia in 1988, thousands of children have collectively received nearly $5 million in educational assistance. However, there are many other youngsters who could potentially benefit but never learn about the opportunity.
In addition to fund-raising, Kids’ Chance – nationally and at the state level – faces the challenge of finding qualified applicants.
“NAOHP members and other occupational health and safety professionals can help us by identifying children who would benefit,” Mr. Bennett said. “We are always looking for ways to increase our visibility.”
In 2009, Kids’ Chance of America served as an umbrella organization for 17 state chapters. An additional eight, state-specific scholarship organizations are listed on the Kids’ Chance website (www.kidschance.org). The relatively new national organization is focused on fund-raising methodology and developing existing Kids’ Chance organizations by ensuring they use best practices for non-profit organizations, Mr. Bennett explained. State chapters raise scholarship funds through grants and donations. Consequently, each chapter establishes its own qualification criteria. Some chapters exclusively provide scholarships in cases involving either a work-related fatality or permanent, total disability. Others also may award scholarships when a parental injury is deemed sufficiently serious to materially impact the family’s source of income. State chapter rules related to the age of qualifying children also vary, although the majority of funds go to teenagers after they graduate from high school, Mr. Bennett said.
In letters and testimonials, scholarship recipients express their appreciation.
“Over the past four years, you have provided more than $25,000 to help fund my education,” writes a recent graduate. “You gave me the opportunity to learn and grow…in ways that will shape my life. You allowed me to enjoy a full college experience. On May 15, one day shy of the seventh anniversary of the death of my father, I graduated with a degree in computer science, and I have secured a position as a web developer.
“Without you, it would have been a much more arduous road. You went above and beyond to include me in Kids’ Chance events, not just during my first year in college but every year. For this, I will always be grateful.”
