Kids' Chance of California Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kids' Chance of California

Kids’ Chance of California, Inc. helps dependent children of workers who were killed or seriously injured on the job with a California employer by awarding post‑secondary scholarships. Scholarships are awarded once a year, and students may apply every year they are enrolled.

What you should know (plain and simple)
- Who this is for: dependent children (or legal dependents) of workers killed or seriously injured in a compensable work‑related accident or occupational disease with a California employer.
- Frequency: Scholarships are awarded annually. You must reapply every year and provide current enrollment documentation.
- Residency: Neither the student nor the injured/deceased worker is required to be a U.S. legal resident.
- Final decisions: All awards are made at the discretion of the Kids’ Chance of California Board of Directors.

Eligibility (must meet all)
- Age 16–25.
- Child or legal dependent of a worker whose injury or death was found compensable in a California work‑related accident or occupational disease.
- Able to demonstrate financial need.
- Enrolled, accepted, or applying as a full‑time or part‑time student at a university, college, or technical school.

Required documents (bring these with your application)
- Completed Kids’ Chance of California Scholarship application.
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance at a university, college, or technical school.
- Completed Financial Aid Release form for the 2024–2025 school year (download the KCOCA Financial Aid Form). This must be completed by the school.
- Documentation that the workers’ compensation claim was accepted. Acceptable evidence includes:
- Letter from the claims adjuster accepting liability, or
- Findings and Award by a WCAB judge, or
- Stipulations with Request for Award (settlement decision).
- Important: Do NOT send medical records. If medical records are received at headquarters, they will be destroyed after the application is logged.

Application timeline and review process (step‑by‑step)
1. Submit your completed scholarship application by May 15 (this covers Fall and Spring scholarship funds).
2. Upload all supporting documents through the applicant portal’s “Upload Supporting Documents” tool. All supporting materials must be uploaded no later than June 15 to be considered.
3. Kids’ Chance of California will conduct a preliminary review to confirm applications are complete.
4. The Scholarship Committee reviews all complete applications and makes recommendations.
5. The Board of Directors reviews the Committee’s recommendations and makes final award decisions.
6. Applicants will be notified of award status and the method/timing of distribution.
7. If you want funding in future years, reapply annually (awards depend on enrollment documentation and available funds).

If you have questions about required forms or where to upload documents, check the Kids’ Chance of California website or contact their office for guidance.