For the children of workers who have been killed or seriously injured on the job, Kids’ Chance of California gives them a fighting chance at earning a college education through needs-based scholarship programs.

Michael Castillo

Founded in 1988, the nonprofit, sponsored by applicants' attorneys, defense attorneys and insurance companies, recently announced it is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year, with the deadline fast approaching.

Applications must be received by May 15, 2021, in order to be considered for a Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 scholarship.

Who is eligible to receive such scholarship funds? According to its website, “applicants must have a parent who has been killed or seriously injured as a result of a work-related accident that meets the criteria of the California Workers’ Compensation Act and that has resulted in demonstrated financial need.”

Applicants must also be between the ages of 16-25 at the time of full disbursement of the award and have obtained a high school diploma by the time of first disbursement. The student applicants and/or the deceased/injured worker parents are also not required to be legal residents of California and may apply and qualify for scholarships.

To view a full list of qualifications, click here.

Last August, Kids’ Chance of California announced a record-breaking year, helping 48 students by providing more than $270,000 in scholarship funds based on specific needs, and it's hoping for an even bigger year in 2021.

If you know someone who may qualify or wish to apply yourself, you can visit the Kids' Chance application portal by clicking here. You can also help the cause by donating to the fund and helping the organization achieve another record-breaking year. To donate, click here.

Michael Castillo is communications director for the California Applicants' Attorneys Association. This opinion is republished, with permission, from the CAAA website.