We know that when a parent is seriously injured in an accident, life suddenly becomes a lot harder for the whole family. That's why we created our scholarship program — to ensure that despite things beyond your control, you still have an opportunity to pursue your academic goals.
Pinnacol Foundation scholarships may be used for four-year, two-year or trade programs at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and vocational schools. They average $4,700 per student per year, and may only be used for the costs of attending school.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a Pinnacol Foundation scholarship, you must:
Be the natural child, adopted child, stepchild or full dependent of a worker who was injured or killed in a compensable work-related accident during the course and scope of employment with a Colorado-based employer and was entitled to receive benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. It doesn’t matter which insurance company covered your parent’s claim.
Be between the ages of 16 and 25 at the time of the application deadline
Have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Have a high school diploma or GED, or be a high school senior
Submit a complete application
Reapply each year
Application process
We're here to help.
The application period is Nov. 1 to Feb. 15. Applying for the Pinnacol Foundation Scholarship is a competitive process and not everyone is awarded a scholarship. If you have questions or would like help with your application, please let us know.
Email us or call us at
303.361.4775.
New applicants
If this is the first time you are applying for a Pinnacol Foundation scholarship, you must submit the following:
Completed application
Most recent cumulative grade transcript (does not have to be official): high school transcript, GED certificate or college transcript
Information about your volunteer, extracurricular and employment experiences
Personal essay
Documentation of your parent's workplace injury, including a First Report of Injury and a Final Admission of Liability (if the claim is closed) or a General Admission of Liability (if the claim is still open). These are official insurance documents. If your parent's injury was fatal, an official death certificate is required. If you have a sibling who has previously applied for the scholarship and supplied this information, you do not need to submit these documents.
Returning applicants
If you are a returning applicant for a Pinnacol Foundation scholarship, you must submit the following:
Completed renewal application
Most recent cumulative grade transcript (does not have to be official)
A written update on your progress toward graduation, including your current academic standing
Any new information or updates about your volunteer, extracurricular and employment experiences
Visit the
United States Department of Accreditation directory to make sure that your school of choice is accredited. If you are attending a vocational school, contact the Pinnacol Foundation to discuss the status of your chosen institution. Scholarships can only be used at schools in the United States.
How are scholarships awarded?
New applications are reviewed by the Pinnacol Foundation's Selection Committee, and renewal applications are reviewed by appropriate staff. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Recommendations are presented to the Pinnacol Foundation Board of Directors, and final decisions are made in April of each year.