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Posted: Wed 1:34 PM, Dec 30, 2009
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Reporter: Associated Press Email
Updated: Wed 1:34 PM, Dec 30, 2009

Scholarships available for children of deceased or injured parents

Video will be available shortly.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Few things impact a child's life more than the death or serious injury of a parent but a new scholarship program could help them get through college.

In 2001 William Schmalz was driving home from work on I–70 in the rain when his car hydroplaned and rolled six times. He was ejected from the car and left paralyzed with a broken neck. The ordeal devastated his family and left his kids with more responsibility than ever.

His kids, Simon and Mallory, say learning to adapt to their dad's new life as a paraplegic was hard. But fortunately they received help from the Pinnacol Foundation. The group provides college scholarships to students who's parents have been killed or seriously injured in work related accidents. Simon and Mallory are recipients of the scholarship and now attend Mesa State College.

The two say the program is great for them because they can continue their education while living at home and still helping out their dad.

To apply for a Pinnacol Foundation Scholarship call Elizabeth Starkey at 303–361–4775. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, a personal essay and the severity of the parent's injury.

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  • by Linda Location: Canton,TX. on Aug 18, 2012 at 02:47 AM
    I need information on your scholarship program, Please. Here's why? My daughters boyfriend (Josh) is a great guy but needs help. Josh's mother died when he was six years old, then he was placed in foster care with 3/4 different good families until his father was found in his mid-teens. His father mainly used him for a tax write-off making him work for eveything he needed till he graduated for high school. Now he has worked his own way though jr. coloege at TVCC in Terrell, Texas and is inrolled for the fall at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas to become a Game Warren. With finn aid and pell grants he has a 15hr. work load set up and is looking for a job close to the school. We learned today that it will not cover his $1700 housing and not being a Jr. yet they will not let him live off campus. Along with $300. needed for books. We have came up with money food food, gas, and his parking permit but he may not get to go to school next week Aug.27,2012 without his housing payed for. And he will need help for next year also. Is there anywhere we can get quick finn.aid for him? Thank you for your time. Linda
  • by Linda Location: Canton,TX. on Aug 18, 2012 at 02:47 AM
    I need information on your scholarship program, Please. Here's why? My daughters boyfriend (Josh) is a great guy but needs help. Josh's mother died when he was six years old, then he was placed in foster care with 3/4 different good families until his father was found in his mid-teens. His father mainly used him for a tax write-off making him work for eveything he needed till he graduated for high school. Now he has worked his own way though jr. coloege at TVCC in Terrell, Texas and is inrolled for the fall at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas to become a Game Warren. With finn aid and pell grants he has a 15hr. work load set up and is looking for a job close to the school. We learned today that it will not cover his $1700 housing and not being a Jr. yet they will not let him live off campus. Along with $300. needed for books. We have came up with money food food, gas, and his parking permit but he may not get to go to school next week Aug.27,2012 without his housing payed for. And he will need help for next year also. Is there anywhere we can get quick finn.aid for him? Thank you for your time. Linda
  • by Kellu Location: Colorado on Aug 18, 2011 at 07:45 PM
    I'm 20 years old right now. My parents were divorced when I was six. When I was 12, my mother took me horseback riding as a Christmas gift and the horses were spooked and my mother was thrown. She sustained an injury of eight broken ribs and she is, of course, disabled for life. This was not a work related injury but she was employed as a secretary at the time and had to quit working for good. Can I still qualify for the grant?
  • by Patricia Location: Texas on Nov 19, 2010 at 02:32 PM
    Can I still apply if my father died of a disease or does he necessarily have to be killed?
  • by Jolie Location: Longview,Texas on Jan 5, 2010 at 08:40 AM
    I am a junior in high school. I have lost both my parents and am looking for college help