STATEWIDE — The Pinnacol Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year. The Foundation provides scholarships to children whose parents have been injured or killed in work-related accidents, regardless of insurance carrier. The application period opened Nov. 1.

Since its inception in 2000, the Pinnacol Foundation has awarded nearly $5 million to more than 500 students for college or vocational training. The average scholarship is $4,500 per year. Funds may be used for four-year, two-year or trade programs at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and vocational schools in the United States. The Pinnacol Foundation awarded 97 scholarships in 2018.

Andrea Bonilla is among the students receiving a Pinnacol Foundation scholarship this year, after Andrea’s mother was injured in two separate work-related accidents. Andrea is attending the University of Denver and is pursuing a triple major in psychology, criminology and communications. She was selected by the FBI for its Honors Internship Program and hopes to pursue a career with the agency after she graduates. 

“The Pinnacol Foundation scholarship has given me more than just financial aid,” said Bonilla. “It has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams of attending a prestigious university, to secure a career for my future and stability to support my family.”

“It is a privilege to assist these students with the financial aspects of their education and help make their educational goals more attainable,” said Edie Sonn, chair of the Pinnacol Foundation Board of Directors. “Each one of them is an inspiration, and we’re lucky to be a small part of their future success.”

To be eligible for a Foundation scholarship, a student must be the natural, adopted or step-child 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. The Foundation evaluates the severity of injury sustained by each student’s parent or guardian, as well as the student’s academic achievement, financial need and civic involvement, along with the strength of his or her essay. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be between the ages of 16 and 25 at the time of application.

Visit pinnacolfoundation.org to complete the online application, or call 303.361.4775 for more information.

About the Pinnacol Foundation

The Pinnacol Foundation was established in 2000 as a charitable nonprofit entity by Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Since that time, the Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling nearly $5 million to more than 500 children of injured or killed workers. Scholarship funds are raised through corporate and private donations and annual fundraising events.