Kids' Chance of New York Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Kids' Chance of New York

Overview

Kids' Chance of New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides college scholarships to children of New York workers who have been killed, seriously injured, or experienced a debilitating illness in a work-related incident. Scholarships are awarded based on available funding and students may apply each year for which they remain eligible. Award amounts are determined by demonstrated financial need and the organization’s current funding. The program aims to reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education for affected families.

Description: Annual scholarships are distributed as funds allow; students may reapply every year while eligible.

• Nonprofit scholarship program for dependents of injured or deceased workers
• Awards determined by financial need and available funds
• Students may apply annually while eligible

Student Eligibility

Applicants must meet age and dependency criteria and show financial need for post-secondary education costs. Typical eligibility includes being 26 or younger at application, being a dependent of a worker affected by a compensable work-related injury or illness, and being accepted or planning to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school. Applicants can pursue studies full- or part-time. Specific eligibility decisions are made by the scholarship committee during application review.

Eligibility: Age limit, dependent status, compensable work-related injury/illness, acceptance to an eligible institution, and demonstrated financial need are required.

• Applicants generally must be 26 or younger
• Must be a dependent of a worker affected by a work-related incident
• Acceptance to a post-secondary institution and financial need required

Documentation Required

Complete and accurate documentation must accompany each application to allow timely review. Required items include the completed scholarship application, an academic transcript (unofficial acceptable), and a Student Aid Report (SAR) showing the Student Aid Index (SAI) if attending a 2- or 4-year college. Applicants should also provide a brief statement of education and career goals, proof of a compensable workers' compensation claim or death certificate, and basic employer information for the parent or guardian. Missing documents may delay review or prevent award approval.

Documentation: Application form, transcript, SAR/SAI (if applicable), goals statement, proof of compensable claim or death certificate, and parents' employer information.

• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable
• SAR with SAI required for 2- and 4-year college applicants
• Proof of compensable claim or death certificate is necessary

Application Timeline

Kids' Chance seeks to review applications before the start of each semester, and earlier submissions improve the chance of timely processing. The fall application deadline is in July and the spring deadline is in December; applicants for a single spring semester should submit materials at least two weeks before the semester start. The scholarship committee reviews applications as funds permit and makes awards accordingly. Applicants should plan ahead to ensure verification and payment processes complete before tuition due dates.

Application Timeline: Fall deadline in July, spring deadline in December; submit early to allow review and verification.

• Fall deadline: July
• Spring deadline: December
• Submit early—at least two weeks before semester start if applying for spring only

Contact

If you have questions or need assistance before submitting an application, contact the organization in advance of the deadline. Staff and volunteers can help clarify documentation requirements and application steps. Early contact can prevent delays and ensure the application is complete for review. Provide complete contact information when inquiring to receive a timely response.

Questions: Contact Kids' Chance of New York at kcny@kcnewyork.org before the application deadline for assistance.

• Contact before the deadline for guidance
• Include full applicant contact details when asking questions
• Early questions help avoid missing documentation

Process and Award Use

The scholarship committee conducts an initial review and may request additional information or verification from applicants. Approved awards are communicated to recipients, enrollment is verified, and payments are issued directly to the post-secondary institution. Awards may be used for items included in the institution’s official Cost of Attendance unless restricted by the state organization. The number and size of awards depend on committee determinations and available funding in the award year.

Award Value: Annual award amounts are set based on the student's financial need and the organization’s available funds; payments are made directly to the institution.

• Committee reviews and may request verification
• Payment is sent directly to the college or school
• Awards cover allowable Cost of Attendance items unless restricted