April 6, 2026 — Kids’ Chance of America (KCOA) and the Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) today announced the launch of Kids’ Chance WORKS, a national initiative designed to help students impacted by a parent’s catastrophic workplace injury or death explore career pathways and graduate high school with a clear plan for their future.
Made possible through WCI’s $100,000 investment, Kids’ Chance WORKS will expand KCOA’s mission beyond scholarships by embedding career exploration, workforce readiness and mentorship opportunities into the student experience. The program will support both scholarship recipients and students in KCOA’s Planning for the Future pipeline, helping them identify meaningful post-secondary options and careers — including opportunities in and adjacent to the workers’ compensation industry.
“Kids’ Chance has always focused on removing financial barriers to education, but students also need direction, exposure and connection as they plan their futures,” said Chris Letsos, CEO of Kids’ Chance of America. “Through WCI’s partnership, Kids’ Chance WORKS will give our students the tools to discover their passions, explore real career options and graduate high school with confidence and purpose. This investment will shape the next generation of leaders while strengthening the entire Kids’ Chance movement.”
Since 1988, Kids’ Chance organizations have awarded more than 11,000 scholarships totaling nearly $45 million to the children of workers who have been seriously injured or killed on the job. The new Kids’ Chance WORKS program will ensure that scholarship recipients receive not only financial support, but also structured career guidance at a critical point in their development.
WCI, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing education, connection and innovation across the workers’ compensation industry, views the partnership as an investment in both students and the future workforce.
“WCI is proud to partner with Kids’ Chance to launch a program that aligns opportunity with impact,” said WCI Executive Director Andrew Sabolic. “Kids’ Chance WORKS will empower students impacted by a parent’s work-related injury or death to build fulfilling careers while strengthening the pipeline of talent connected to the workers’ compensation community. We believe this initiative will create lasting benefits for students, families and our industry.”
The announcement positions Kids’ Chance WORKS as a national innovation — one that expands KCOA’s reach beyond scholarships and ensures students affected by workplace tragedy can move forward with clarity, support and opportunity.
“The Workers’ Compensation Institute has a rich history of making significant contributions to the education and advancement of the Workers’ Compensation industry,” said Mike Hessling, president of Cottingham & Butler and a member of the WCI Board of Advisors. “I am also proud that our conference provides financial support for many incredible nonprofit organizations.
“Our commitment to Kids’ Chance WORKS brings these two passions together, providing meaningful workplace readiness and mentorship opportunities for students whose families have been impacted by workplace injuries,” Hessling continued. “This is truly a tremendous partnership for WCI, KCOA and our industry.”
About Kids’ Chance of America
Kids’ Chance of America leads a national movement to build brighter futures for the children of critically and fatally injured workers. With nonprofit organizations in all 50 states, the Kids’ Chance community opens doors to education, empowers students to pursue their dreams and helps them reach their fullest potential. Since its inception, Kids’ Chance organizations have awarded more than 11,000 scholarships totaling nearly $45 million. Learn more at www.kidschance.org.
About Workers’ Compensation Institute
WCI® is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing education, connection and innovation across the workers’ compensation industry. Through conferences, research and collaboration, WCI brings together professionals committed to improving outcomes for injured workers and their families.
