‍Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania (KCPA) will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, shining a bright light on a quarter century of helping students pursue their educational dreams. Since its inception, KCPA has awarded 1,037 scholarships totaling over $2.6 million dollars.

‍A gala is planned for October 14 to recognize KCPA’s longevity and impact.

KCPA began in 1997 with just a few volunteers who were passionate about making a difference. They didn’t have many resources — but they did have a vision.

Suzanne Emmet, Past President/board member of KCPA and Past President/Treasurer of Kids Chance of America (KCOA), notes that while much has changed over the last 25 years, one thing that hasn’t is the KCPA Board’s passion for the Kids’ Chance mission.

“The kids I’ve met through the years never cease to amaze and inspire me. Their young lives have been impacted by tragic injuries to their parents, but their determination to pursue their educational goals is powerful,” Emmet said. “These are good kids making a positive difference in the world. And as workers’ comp professionals and Kids’ Chance supporters, that’s something we can be proud to be a part of.”

One of KCPA’s biggest supporters over the years has been Ray Hoover, President and CEO of Hoover Rehabilitation Services, Inc., a private, Pennsylvania-based managed care company with more than four decades of service in the workers’ compensation industry.

“For a company built on helping injured workers achieve their fullest physical capabilities and return to work, the worst part of our job for all of us is when we are called upon to manage cases involving tragic circumstances – a person being catastrophically injured or killed at work. When we first learned of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania’s mission to support children and families facing the unthinkable, we were all in — and we still are,” Hoover said. “When we hear the stories of what Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania does to comfort and mitigate to the extent possible the unforeseen devastation in the lives of such families — and that we can be a part of that — it’s without a doubt the most rewarding aspect of being a Kids’ Chance donor.”

One of the hundreds of students positively impacted by KCPA is Hannah Lasko, a graduate of Duquesne University with a degree in chemistry. She is now pursuing a medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“Instead of worrying about the financial burden tied to my name, I can focus on my studies and be the best that I can be. Kids’ Chance helps take away the stress stemming from the cost of my education,” Hannah says. “They help in every way possible for every kid possible—that’s what makes them important to me. They’ll do everything they can for you. It’s an extraordinary organization, and I can not thank them enough for everything they do for me.”

And Hannah will be a part of the Kids’ Chance community for life.

“When everything is all said and done, I hope to be able to support this organization and the next generation of students just like how they have supported me these past few years,” she said.

KCPA President Liz Crum reflects on a quarter century of changing students’ lives.

“It's an honor to be part of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania and to celebrate 25 years of providing hope and opportunity for 360 students with 1037 scholarships totaling over $2.6 million,” she says. “Through the dedication of countless board members, volunteers, donors and sponsors, KCPA has lessened the financial burden and enabled students to pursue their dreams and aspirations through higher education. Looking forward to another 25 years!”

Kids’ Chance of America (KCOA) honors KCPA for 25+ years of tremendous vision and dedicated efforts in providing scholarships to young people who otherwise may not have been able to achieve their education and career dreams.

Kids’ Chance organizations provide scholarships to children of workers who have been injured or killed on the job. KCPA donors, staff, and volunteers — you continue to make the difference in the lives of these kids! Congratulations on this landmark event.