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Pinnacol Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
Planning, Applying and Paying for College: College in Colorado’s web site is a one-stop resource for students, parents and counselors.
Similar Scholarships in Other States: Kids’ Chance is the national organization for other states that have programs for injured workers’ children.
United States Department of Education Accreditation Directory: Make sure that your school of choice is accredited. Accreditation ensures that education provided by institutions meets acceptable levels of quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Is there a set amount for the scholarship?
- Scholarships average $5,000 per student per academic year.
- Q. Where can the scholarship be used?
- You can use the scholarship at any accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education. This includes community colleges, universities and vocational training programs.
- Q. Can the scholarship be used for graduate studies?
- Yes, the foundation scholarship can be used to pursue a graduate degree.
- Q. How often can I apply for the Pinnacol scholarship?
- Students can apply for the scholarship for up to seven years.
- Q. I received the scholarship last year. Do I have to complete the application again?
- Yes, you must complete a new application each year. That application must include your transcripts from the previous school year, another personal essay describing why the scholarship is important to you and another recommendation letter. Returning applicants don’t need to resubmit documentation of their parents’ accident.
- Q. Are siblings eligible?
- Yes. If your brother or sister has received the scholarship, you are also eligible. You do not need to submit information about your parent’s accident as we will have it with your sibling’s file. Please include your sibling’s name on your application.
- Q. I don’t have documentation of my parent’s accident, but I know it was work-related. What do I do?
- Please call the Pinnacol Foundation at 303.361.4775. Oftentimes, we can help you locate the information.
- Q. Do the scholarship funds come directly to me
- No. The Pinnacol Foundation will send a check directly to the school where you are enrolled.
- Q. I’m an injured worker. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
- No, the Foundation is for the children of injured workers only.
- Q. My parent is deceased, but it is not work related. Can I still apply?
- No, the Pinnacol Foundation was created specifically for the children whose parents were seriously injured or killed on the job.
- Q. Who reviews my application?
- The Pinnacol Foundation Selection Committee, which consists of individuals involved in worker's compensation and education in Colorado. The committee’s members are committed to helping the children of injured workers gain access to post-secondary education.
- Q. How does the review process work?
- The Pinnacol Foundation Selection Committee reviews all applications in May. The Committee determines eligibility first, then reviews the applicant’s academic achievement, aptitude, extracurricular activities, financial need, community service, employment and grade point average.
- Q. When will I be notified if I received the scholarship?
- The entire review process typically takes about six weeks to complete. If you do not receive notification of your status by June 15, please contact us.
- Q. Does the amount of financial aid I am receiving affect the scholarship amount I am awarded?
- Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Any additional financial aid and/or scholarships you are receiving will be considered along with family income and applicant wages.