First Responders
College Scholarships for Children of Georgia First Responders
Supporting students whose parent or guardian was seriously or fatally injured in the line of duty and is eligible for Georgia workers’ compensation benefits.
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders dedicate their lives to protecting Georgia communities. When a line-of-duty injury or loss impacts a family, Kids’ Chance of Georgia helps ensure a child’s education does not become another casualty.
HONORING THE FAMILIES BEHIND THE BADGE
Every day, Georgia’s first responders face unpredictable and often dangerous situations to keep others safe.
When a serious or fatal work-related injury occurs, the ripple effects on families, especially children planning for college, can be profound.
Kids’ Chance of Georgia was created to step in during these moments of uncertainty, providing educational scholarships that help students move forward with confidence and hope.
We believe that when a first responder sacrifices, their children’s futures should remain protected.
FOR STUDENTS PURSUING THEIR FUTURE
If your parent was seriously or fatally injured in a work-related incident while serving as a Georgia first responder, you may be eligible for a Kids’ Chance of Georgia scholarship.
Our scholarships help students:
- Attend college, trade school, or technical programs
- Reduce the financial burden of higher education
- Stay focused on achieving their goals
Eligible students may attend colleges, universities, trade schools, and technical programs anywhere in the United States. Eligibility is based on the worker’s connection to Georgia workers’ compensation benefits, not where a student lives or attends school.
Every application is reviewed with care and confidentiality.
FOR PARENTS SUPPORTING A COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT
When a line-of-duty injury affects your family, planning for college can feel overwhelming. Kids’ Chance of Georgia is here to help lighten that burden.
If your child’s parent was seriously or fatally injured while working as a first responder eligible for Georgia workers’ compensation, your student may qualify for scholarship support.
Our team helps families:
- Understand eligibility requirements
- Navigate the application process
- Access additional educational resources
We are committed to making this process supportive, respectful, and clear.
FOR PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Georgia’s first responder community is built on service, sacrifice, and commitment.
Kids’ Chance of Georgia invites departments, associations, businesses, and individuals to stand behind the families who stand behind the badge.
By partnering with Kids’ Chance of Georgia, you can:
- Fund life-changing educational scholarships
- Support the children of first responders whose families have been impacted by serious workplace injuries or line-of-duty fatalities
- Demonstrate meaningful community leadership
Many of our named scholarships are created by organizations and individuals with deep ties to the public safety community.
CREATING REAL IMPACT FOR STUDENTS
When Elizabeth Smiley’s father, Atlanta Police Officer Shawn Smiley, was killed in the line of duty while assisting in the search for a missing child, her family’s future changed in an instant.
Through the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Elizabeth has been able to pursue her education at the University of Southern California, where she maintains an outstanding academic record while studying fine arts and dance.
Her journey reflects the resilience seen in so many first responder families, and the life-changing impact scholarship support can make.
HOW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS WORK
Kids’ Chance of Georgia provides renewable scholarships to eligible students whose parent suffered a serious or fatal workplace injury.
Eligible programs include:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Associate degrees
- Technical and trade schools
Scholarships are renewable when students:
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
- Submit transcripts and class schedules
- Continue meeting eligibility requirements
Awards may continue for up to five years.
Currently, Kids’ Chance of Georgia scholarships are awarded at $5,000–$6,000 per academic year.
Our goal is simple: see that no eligible child is left behind.
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
Students and families share how Kids’ Chance of Georgia stepped in during one of life’s most difficult moments.
STAND WITH GEORGIA’S FIRST RESPONDER FAMILIES
Whether you are a student seeking support, a parent navigating next steps, or a community partner looking to give back, Kids’ Chance of Georgia is here to help protect the futures of children impacted by workplace tragedy.