This year, Kids’ Chance of Washington is fundraising without their annual gala event. Instead, they are holding a fundraising campaign and virtual run/walk to raise scholarship funds for children of workers fatally and/or seriously injured at work.
The deadline to become an event sponsor is September 15th. Fundraising is ongoing, but this year’s virtual run/walk campaign will continue through October.
The Scholarship Program
Kids’ Chance of Washington is registered in Washington as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to provide needs-based scholarships to the children and spouses affected by these serious work-related injuries or conditions. To qualify, the worker must be totally permanently disabled under the criteria of the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, or deceased.
Scholarships are funded through donations from business and labor organizations throughout the state, as well as individuals, employers, attorneys, and other groups affiliated with the workers’ compensation system in Washington.
Since 2001, Kids’ Chance of Washington has awarded over $450,000 in scholarship and school-related money, giving assistance to over 50 recipients. Kids’ Chance can provide financial assistance for apprenticeship programs, vocational-technical schools and undergraduate college education.
Scholarships are also available for kids participating in the Running Start program. Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. Students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, which accelerates their progress through the education system. Some students graduate high school and college the same summer, having earned a two-year degree simultaneously.
Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition. They are, however, responsible for mandatory fees, books and transportation. A Kids’ Chance scholarship could assist with these expenses.