Kids' Chance of Wisconsin Scholarship
Offered by Kids' Chance of Wisconsin
About This Scholarship
Kids' Chance of Wisconsin awards $500 to $8,000 per year to students whose parent suffered a serious work-related injury or fatality covered by Wisconsin worker's compensation laws. The claim must be compensable or compromised, and the injury or death must have had a financial impact on the family - the program exists precisely for households whose college plans were upended by a workplace accident.
Applicants should be between 17 and 24 years old with a high school diploma, GED/HSED, or current good standing toward graduation. The application is due June 15 each year, with recipients notified by August. The centerpiece is a narrative of up to two pages describing the parent's accident, its personal and economic impact, and how the scholarship will support the applicant's education goals. A completed FAFSA is mandatory, along with transcripts, an acceptance letter or class schedule, and two signed authorization forms; recommendation letters from non-relatives are optional.
Awards are annual amounts rather than per-semester grants, and the organization funds as many scholarships as each year's resources allow. Recipients must maintain a 2.0 GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits, and they can reapply every year through the renewal application. Preference goes to Wisconsin residents and students entering Wisconsin schools.
Eligibility
- Parent suffered a serious work-related injury or fatality covered by Wisconsin worker's compensation laws, with a compensable or compromised claim that financially affected the family
- Between 17 and 24 years old
- High school diploma, GED/HSED, or current high school student in good standing who will graduate in the academic year
- Completed FAFSA (mandatory); 2.0 GPA and at least 12 credits once enrolled
- Preference for Wisconsin residents and students attending Wisconsin schools
How To Apply
- Open the application from the scholarships page at kidschancewi.org (returning recipients use the renewal application)
- Write the narrative: up to two pages on the parent's accident, its personal and economic impact, and how the scholarship will help your education goals
- Attach your completed FAFSA, transcript, acceptance letter or class schedule, and both signed authorization forms; add optional recommendation letters from non-relatives
- Submit everything by June 15; recipients are notified by August
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a Kids' Chance of Wisconsin scholarship?
Students roughly 17 to 24 years old whose parent had a serious or fatal work injury covered by Wisconsin worker's compensation, where the claim was compensable or compromised and the family felt a financial impact.
How much is the award?
Generally $500 to $8,000 as an annual amount, depending on need and each year's funding. The organization awards as many scholarships as funding allows.
Is an essay required?
Yes. Applicants write a narrative of up to two pages about the parent's accident, its impact on the family, and how the scholarship supports their education plans.