The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Foundation created its Family Scholarship Fund five years ago, providing educational scholarships to spouses and children to help reduce the financial impact of a loved one not returning home from work. The ASSP Foundation recently awarded $10,000 scholarships to Lindsey Pinkerton of Crete, Nebraska, and Samantha Wooten of Belmont, New Hampshire.

“We want to encourage people to continue their plans of earning a strong education following a devastating workplace incident involving a family member,” said ASSP Foundation Chair Dave Crowley, CSP, CHMM, STS. “Life understandably gets derailed during such difficult times, and we are committed to helping where we can.”

Lindsey is an undergraduate student studying art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was 8 years old when her father died in a car crash at work. Lindsey remembers her dad giving her impromptu art lessons as a child, teaching her patience while showing her how to notice the intricate beauty in everyday life.

Samantha is a graduate student pursuing a degree in forensic psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. She has been an instrument of awareness and advocacy for occupational safety since her father, a public works employee, was killed on the job in 2016.

The ASSP Foundation’s Family Scholarship Fund was spearheaded in 2013 by John Henshaw, former assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be completed online. Applicants must be a full-time or part-time student at a university, community college or trade/vocational school. The ASSP Foundation’s Board of Trustees reviews all applications and determines the recipients of the $10,000 scholarships.