The advancement of education throughout the unionized sector of the sheet metal industry must receive the highest priority to ensure full participation in an expanding world economy. In support of that objective, the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Scholarship Fund awards 34 scholarships in the amount of $6,000 per year* for up to four years for full-time undergraduate study at any accredited college or university. Two of these scholarships may be awarded to participants and their eligible dependents that are enrolled in an undergraduate course in Mechanical Engineering and Architecture. The Mechanical Engineering and Architecture scholarships are for up to five years and will result in payments of $6,000 for the first year and $12,000 per year for years two through five, for a total scholarship of $54,000. The Scholarship Foundation awards 20 one-year $4,000 scholarships and two one-year $5,000 awards: the Joseph J. Nigro award and the Joey Nigro, Jr. memorial award. *Please note that only qualified applicants from locals that participate by collectively bargaining to contribute or to authorize check-offs at one cent per hour worked are eligible for the four-year scholarships. All other eligible applicants will be considered for the scholarship foundation’s single-year scholarships for undergraduate study.

A selection committee comprised of an esteemed group of union, academic and civic leaders makes all selections for the awards. This group is independent of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers and makes its determination of scholarship awards after thoroughly considering each applicant’s academic records, recommendations and a written essay. The committee’s annual selections are published in the fall issue of The Members’ Journal