Parkinson Association of the Rockies Eric Wright Memorial Fund

Uplifting and inspiring the next generation of scholars

Parkinson Association of the Rockies, along with the family and closest friends of Eric Wright, will honor his legacy and recognize Eric’s lifelong dream of being a constant and present figure in his family’s life with the annual Eric Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund. In commemorating Eric’s spirit through this scholarship, we aim not only to fulfill his dream but also to uplift and inspire the next generation of scholars who share our commitment to education, resilience, and the well-being of those affected by Parkinson Disease.

Eligibility

• Be a graduating high school senior, graduating GED or equivalent student, currently enrolled in a trade program, OR a current undergraduate student
• Be a young adult who has lost a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member to Parkinson Disease OR has financial hardship due to a parent, guardian, or family member currently living with Parkinson Disease
• Graduating high school seniors and GED students must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5+
• Current trade school or undergraduate students must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0+
• Lives in Colorado or Wyoming
• Currently enrolled at or plan to attend a post-secondary institution in the U.S. in fall of 2026

Selection criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Merit
• Financial need
• Need caused by Parkinson Disease

Award details

• Scholarship Range: $20,000 ($5,000 per year for up to four years); Runner-Ups may receive $500 – $5,000 (one-time award)
• Typical Number of Awards: 1 (with potential for smaller, one-time awards made to runner-up(s) during years the fund committee deems appropriate)
• This scholarship is renewable for up to four consecutive years. Must meet eligibility requirements every year.
  • Runner-Ups receive a one-time award. However, past recipients and applicants are encouraged to reapply each year in a competitive process. Previous recipients are not guaranteed an award upon re-application.
• Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and health insurance
• All scholarships will be paid directly to a recipient’s post-secondary institution. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s post-secondary institution
• Award must be used for the upcoming academic year

How to apply 

1. Read through the eligibility criteria above to confirm you meet the requirements for this scholarship
2. Log into TDF Scholarship Manager and apply for the Parkinson Association of the Rockies Eric Wright Memorial Scholarship
3. Prepare and submit the following items:
   1. List of all extracurricular activities, community volunteering opportunities, and paid/unpaid work experiences you have had
   2. Transcript  
   3. List of other scholarship opportunities you’ve applied to for the 2026-2027 academic year
   4. Confirmation of eligibility (upload of an obituary, copy of a death certificate, or a signed doctor’s note on behalf of your parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member with Parkinson Disease)
   5. Email address for one recommendation(s)
      1. One community recommendation
   6. Response to the following prompt(s):
      1. How has Parkinson Disease affected you and your family? (5,000 characters or approximately 800 words)
      2. Briefly outline your short- and long-term goals, both educational and beyond, AND explain how this scholarship will help you pursue these dreams. (5,000 characters or approximately 800 words)