Pinnacol Foundation Nearly Doubles Scholarships to Colorado Students

More than a half million dollars will go to students to pursue higher education


DENVER, August 18, 2011 – The Pinnacol Foundation has awarded $579,000 in scholarships to 136 students for the 2011–2012 school year, far surpassing the $290,250 given to 96 students in 2010. Over the last 11 years, scholarships totaling $1,964,500 have been awarded to the children of Colorado workers who were killed or seriously injured in work-related accidents.

“Many of these students have faced significant obstacles in their pursuit of higher education because of their parents’ injury,” said Carole Sumption, chair of the Pinnacol Foundation Board of Directors. “Awarding these scholarships will not only benefit 136 students, but also Colorado businesses that rely on a skilled and educated workforce.”

After a serious workplace accident, families often struggle financially, physically and emotionally. The children may need to take on more responsibility than their peers – from working part-time jobs to taking care of a parent who is unable to work. The Pinnacol Foundation was created in 2000 to assist those families after a workplace accident.

Since the Pinnacol Foundation’s inception, it has awarded more than 600 scholarships to the children of injured workers. The average scholarship amount is $5,000 for one year. Students may use the funds at any accredited institution of higher learning for vocational training, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and may reapply up to seven years or to age 25.

To qualify for a Pinnacol Foundation scholarship, a student must be the natural child, adopted child or stepchild of a worker killed or seriously injured in a compensable work-related accident while employed by a Colorado-based business. The Foundation grants scholarships to students regardless of the insurance carrier. Scholarships are awarded based on the severity of the parent’s injury, financial need, academic achievement, social responsibility (including employment), recommendation letters, and a personal essay. Scholarship applications are accepted annually January 1 through March 31. The selection committee convenes each May to determine the awards.

View the full list of students who will receive scholarships for the 2011-2012 school year. Names in bold have received the award in multiple years. Names in italics have a sibling who has also received the scholarship.

For information about the Pinnacol Foundation, please visit our website, send us an email or call 303.361.4775.

About the Pinnacol Foundation
Pinnacol Foundation was established in 2000 as a charitable nonprofit entity with $50,000 in seed money from Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Since that time, the Foundation has awarded more than 600 scholarships to the children of injured workers. Scholarship funds are raised through corporate donations and an annual golf tournament.