SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
As of 2024, Kids' Chance of California has awarded over 1 million dollars in scholarships to students across California affected by work related accidents. Here are some stories from a few of our recipients below.
Alisen
“…My father had a cancer scare in 2020 and then contracted COVID-19 at work in August of 2021 right at the beginning of my senior year in high school. At first, I assumed everything would be fine and he would recover just like everyone else I knew who had contracted COVID, but unfortunately, this was not the case. My father spent 10 months in the hospital and was very close to death several times.” CSU Monterey Bay, majoring in Psychology 
Ava
“My father’s passing was very unexpected while my brother and I were in high school. His death placed an unexpected financial burden on my family and our plans of going to college. Thankfully we found the Kids Chance of California program. This program and its generosity has enabled my brother and I to pursue our hopes of going to a 4 year university in light of my father’s passing.” University of Nevada Reno 
Madison
"My dad's injury happened when I was young and could not see the hardships to come. Not only did his injury affect us financially but also mentally as a family. As I became older, I soon felt the stress from my parents as I was looking and applying for college. KCOCA has lifted the financial rain cloud that haunted my family for years.” University of San Diego majoring in Marine Biology 
Rebekah
“When my mom got injured at her job it was always hard, not only from worrying about her everyday but because we only lived off of her workers comp. I didn’t even think about college because of the cost, and I didn't want to make things harder for her financially, but she encouraged me to go, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn't for her. I am grateful for the chance to continue my education with the scholarship so I may provide a better and comfortable future for my family." San Jose State University majoring in Environmental Studies 
Daniella
"My life has truly been a journey, and it has not been easy. I am grateful to have been through what I have been through as without this journey, I would not be who I am today. Thank you for your support, KCOCA." California Lutheran University, majoring in Biology 
Michelle
"Since my dad’s injury, things have been tight financially. I was worried about how I was going to pay for college, but the KCOCA scholarship has helped both my parents and me feel a lot less stressed about furthering my education." Utah State University, majoring in History. Hear Michelle’s story. 
Maria
"With both of my parents being disabled, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to completely depend on them to help pay off my college tuition. It’s heartwarming to know that organizations like KCOCA are available to help me attend college to make something of myself. I couldn’t be more grateful for the scholarship.” Sonoma State University, majoring in Chemistry. Hear Maria’s story. 
Emily
“I've attended Catholic school since kindergarten and always wanted to continue that tradition in college. For that reason, I’m very appreciative of the KCOCA scholarship. Without it, it would be incredibly difficult to continue my education at such a wonderful school.” Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, majoring in English. 
Omid
"The KCOCA scholarship helps so much. With it, I'm finally able to afford the education that will allow me to pursue a degree in economics and make a difference in our economy.” University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Economics. 
Haley
“The KCOCA scholarship came at the right time, as I had no money to pay for the last two years of my college education. Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my career in workers’ compensation.” California Baptist University, majoring in Criminal Justice. Hear Haley's story. |
Ashley
“When my mom passed away in 2011, I was just 8 years old, but I knew pursuing law enforcement would help me stay connected to her. The Kids Chance of California scholarship I have been awarded will allow me to continue my education in Criminal Justice.” Pacific University, majoring in Criminal Justice 
Carson
“With the loss of a parent, times can get tough both personally and financially.” “I hope my story may motivate others to never back down as well, because when dealing with the loss of a loved one, I know it can be difficult to focus on academic success.” University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences 
Juliana
“My dad’s injuries do not allow for him to work, and my mom is his primary caregiver. With that, we live on an extremely limited income. My sister and I both attend Fresno Pacific University to be close to home. Kids Chance has given me and my family the peace of mind of covering the costs of attending a private university and has helped me to finish my degree.” Fresno Pacific University majoring in Liberal Studies 
Miranda
"After my father passed away, it was hard to imagine what was next. The KCOCA scholarship helped me feel more confident and supported in my choice to go away to college and pursue my dream of being a doctor. " UC Santa Cruz, majoring in Cognitive Science 
Wendy
"Before my dad passed, I remember him stressing the importance of education. He wanted us to do better in school than he had. Now, thanks to KCOCA, I’m able to go to my first-choice school and fulfill my dad’s dreams of me going to college.." UC San Diego, majoring in Biology. 
Sophia
"I didn’t realize the severity of my dad’s injury when he first got hurt. When he still wasn’t working three years after his injury, I started worrying if I would be able to afford to go to college. I’m so thankful for the KCOCA scholarship. It has strengthened my hope for my future.. San Jose State University, majoring in Biological Sciences. Hear Sophia’s story. 
Randolph
“The last four years have granted me access to a number life changing opportunities. My family and I once wondered how we’d be able to afford my college tuition; but with the help of KCOCA, I'm proud to say that I will be graduating in June of 2020. Kids’ Chance of California could not have chosen a better name as they gave me exactly that, a CHANCE to pursue my dreams.” Randolph attends University of California, Riverside, majoring in Kinesiology. 
Leah
“My dad’s injury was so severe, it practically left my mom to raise my brother and me as a single parent. My mom was incredibly stressed out with sending me to a costly school far away but the KCOCA scholarship made it possible for me to go the school that I dreamed of attending." University San Francisco, majoring in Sociology. Hear Leah’s story. 
Niles
"Im truly grateful for the generous KCOCA scholarship offer I’ve been awarded. Thank you for investing in furthering my education at UC Santa Cruz. With the scholarship, I'm motivated to pursue excellence with my education as well as in my collegiate swimming career.” UC Santa Cruz. 
Tyler
“With the help of KCOCA, I’m able to attend the University of Nevada at Reno, which will allow me to later attend nursing school and ultimately realize my dreams of working for a rehabilitation facility.” University of Nevada at Reno, majoring in Community Health Science and Pre-Nursing. |
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATES
Kyle
With the help of KCOCA, Kyle graduated from Humboldt State University with a Criminal Justice degree. Following his college graduation, Kyle attended and graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy. He’s currently interviewing to become a probation officer. |
Jayden Raye
Jayden Raye, our 2017 David DePaolo Memorial Scholarship recipient, graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Political Science degree. She is working as a political communications consultant in New York City. Hear Jayden Raye’s story |
Brianna
Brianna graduated with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton. She returned to school to complete her prerequisites for applying to a nursing program. She’s currently interning at a hospital to gain experience in the nursing field. |
Harrison
Harrison graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting. Hear Harrison’s story. |
Trent
Trent graduated in May of 2019 from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Systems Management, and is working in plant health management for a hops breeding company. |
Cameron
“After my mom and dads’ passing, my sister and I knew we would face financial struggles. With the help of KCOCA, the financial struggle of attending college has gone away and made higher education an actual possibility for me.” Arizona State University, majoring in Criminal Justice. Hear Cameron’s story. |
