Sunrise Ridge  

Palo Verde Ridge Scholarship Foundation Inc. (the "Foundation") is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization set up by the owners of Sunrise Ridge Holdings Inc and its sister companies. 

You can review our Federal tax filings:  2019 990 PF  2018 990 PF,  2017 990PF, 2016 990PF,  2015 990PF, or 2014 990PF.

Many of our employees are in the formative years of their careers, and we are often their first employer.  The Foundation is designed to assist these employees by accelerating their education and helping them to grow their personal capability for future careers.

How Are We Funded?

Funding for this activity comes from private donations. The Foundation will gladly accept donations from those who would like to assist with this program.  Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

What Scholarships Are Available?

Depending on funding levels and IRS requirements, each year we will offer up to:

• 2 vocational / technical / junior college scholarships.  These each pay up to $5,000 per scholastic year, and can be renewed for a second year, for a maximum of $10,000 per recipient.
• 2 university / college / graduate school scholarships.  These each pay up to $10,000 per scholastic year, and can be renewed for up to three more years, for a maximum of $40,000 per recipient.

If an insufficient number of qualified applications are received, IRS regulations require us to award fewer scholarships.

What is the Timetable?

Applications for any given year will be due by May 1 for the following Fall / Spring scholastic period.  Supporting recommendations must be completed and submitted by Referrer's by May 15.  Scholarship Grantees will be notified by August 15.  Those applicants not selected  may reapply for the next year.

Where Can I Contact the Foundation?

Submit your question or comment by clicking the button.

Eligibility and Application

Who Can Apply?

Any person who is or was an employee of  Sunrise Ridge Holdings Inc, Sunrise Ridge Algae Inc, Spurs Exchange Inc, Breezy Ridge Holdings Inc,  or MacKelsey LLC for a continuous period of four weeks, or is a current legal dependent of a qualifying employee, with certain exceptions. (*)

(*) Owners and officers of the Listed Companies, their dependents, families and 2nd-order relatives, are not eligible.  Employees, donors or Board Members of the Foundation, their dependents, family members and 2nd-order relatives, are also not eligible.

What Are The Criteria For Selection?

The Selection Committee of the Board will consider scholastic aptitude, education goals (including potential employment prospects), anticipated return on education investment, individual recommendations for the candidate and financial need in selecting Grantees from the applications pool.

How Can I Apply?

Applications will be accepted starting February 1, 2019 for the 2019/2020 academic year. 

To apply, first, download the Application Guideline.  Review by clicking the button (above) and collect all the information and documents required.  For documents that must be submitted with the application, scan the paper files and save the images (we prefer .pdf format) for uploading.

Identify people who will be your personal references and request their permission to cite them in your application.  Give them this URL:  http://www.sunrise-ridge.com/scholarship so they learn more about the scholarship.  They can upload their recommendation using the link in the next section below.  All items must be submitted online.  We do not accept any paper documents or applications.

Once you have all the information and your references set up, input and upload your application by clicking the "Submit Application" button.

Caution:  some applicants did not fully complete and submit their applications in prior years, and were disqualified.  Please make sure to fully complete and submit your application.  Additionally, please follow up with your referrers to ensure that they have timely submitted their recommendations.

How will Recommendations be Submitted?

Referrer's please submit your recommendations by clicking the "Submit Recommendation" button.  All recommendations must be received by May 15.  Recommendations must be submitted directly by the referrer; emailed submissions and submissions entered by the student cannot be accepted.

Using the Scholarship Funds

How Will the Scholarship Funds be Paid?

The scholarship shall be awarded on a pro-rated, per term basis directly to the student.  Scholarships for part-time students shall be additionally pro-rated based on a percentage of full-time hours taken.

Where Can The Scholarship Money be Spent?

The scholarship award may be used to attend a specific field of study, for a specific degree or certificate, at an accredited educational institution.  The field of study, degree / certificate and institution must be selected by the student as part of the application process.  The scholarship award shall be used only to pursue the selected educational program. Any change in the field of study, degree / certificate or institution will result in suspension of the scholarship, unless the changes are approved by the Board.  

How Can a Grantee Renew their Scholarship?

Each scholarship will be renewed for the next scholastic term (up to the maximum period) provided the Grantee remains a student in good standing and is progressing appropriately toward completion of the intended course of study.

To remain in good standing, the student must meet the following criteria:

1. Maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for each term;  or, for institutions that don't use GPA, the student must achieve "Passing" or equivalent, for each term
2. Be enrolled as a full-time student in a qualified institution (see above funding limitations for part-time students); and
3. Register for the following term.

The student must submit supporting documentation to the Foundation to validate that these criteria are met.  

Supporting documentation includes an official transcript and certificate of registration.  Failure to do so may result in termination of the scholarship.  If the GPA drops below the required level in any term, the Foundation may choose to grant the recipient a one-term probation period for the student to achieve minimum standards, at the discretion of the Board, or may terminate the scholarship.