Scholarship Application Process

Kids’ Chance of Nebraska (KCNE) provides college scholarships to the children of Nebraska workers who have been severely or fatally injured in a workplace-related accident. KCNE awards as many scholarships as the current year’s funding will allow.

New ApplicationRenewal Application

We open our application portal twice a year, Fall and Winter. 

Our deadline for the Winter 2026 scholarship applications was January 15, 2026. The scholarship portal will reopen after Spring Break on April 1, 2026. The next deadline will be July 30, 2026. 

Criteria
  • Must have a high school diploma, GED or a high school student in good standing (who will graduate in the current academic year).
  • Dependent of a parent who suffered either an employment related fatality or injuries that have had a significant adverse effect on family income.
  • Proceeds can be used for vocational / technical school, junior college, undergraduate or graduate programs
  • Proceeds must be used for tuition, fees or room and board only (will be paid directly to the institution).
  • Prior to award of the scholarship, applicant must demonstrate that they meet the minimum criteria for acceptance to the institution to which they have applied. This can be accomplished by either submitting the formal acceptance letter from the institution, or providing documentation (transcripts, tests scores) meeting the institution’s minimum admission criteria.
  • Scholarship awards are contingent on availability of funds and may be renewed
  • Scholarship funds will be paid out each semester upon approval of board that recipient is still attending educational institution and meeting required criteria
Required Supporting Materials

Please be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before completing this application as you will be asked questions pertaining to your FAFSA.

  • Completed Application
  • Nebraska Worker’s Compensation Claim Number, if available.
  • Copy of First Report of Injury, if available. If no First Report of Injury is available, please provide a short description of your parent’s employment status in Nebraska at the time of injury.
  • Copy of completed FAFSA
  • If possible: Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA processing center; Financial Aid Award letter and Student Account
  • Official Financial Statement from educational institution.
  • Official Transcript of Current Grades 
  • Official Schedule of Upcoming Enrollment 
Deadline

Scholarship Applications will be due on January 15, 2026 for Winter 2026.

Questions?

Contact kidschanceofnebraska@gmail.com.

Scholarship Renewal Details
  • Scholarship awards are contingent on availability of funds and may be renewed.
  • You must complete a Renewal Application located on the KCNE website and submit by January 15th.
  • Prior to award of the scholarship, applicant must demonstrate that they meet the minimum criteria for acceptance to the institution to which they have applied or intend to attend. This can be accomplished by either submitting the formal acceptance letter from the institution, or providing documentation (transcripts, test scores) meeting the institution’s minimum admission criteria.Screenshots are not acceptable.
  • Proceeds must be used for tuition, fees or room and board (will be paid directly to the institution).
What we expect in return from “our kids”
  • Prompt response to requests made by the Kids’ Chance office; communication is key.
  • Updated contact information including address, cell phone number, and email.
  • Promote Kids’ Chance of Nebraska on social media.
  • Kids’ Chance awards educational scholarships; therefore students must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
  • Kids’ Chance does not fund part-time students. Students must be registered for at least the equivalent hours of a full time student each semester/quarter, unless otherwise approved.
  • Kids’ Chance requires that each student be available, if requested, to attend at least one fundraising function each school year. This may include special events, such as a golf or bowling event, or you may be called upon to attend a seminar or banquet. Kids’ Chance relies solely on our volunteers and supporters and they want to meet the students they work so hard for all year long. It’s extremely important that the students show their appreciation and give back to the organization.