Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, located in Lower Mills, is celebrating 40 years of creating opportunities through its scholarship fund. Since 1983, the union has contributed more than $2.2 million to the futures of local students.

In this year’s round of scholarships, Local 17 has allocated $151,000 to 29 area high school seniors and college students. The awards, 100 percent funded by the membership of Local 17, range from one-time $750 scholarships to four-year scholarships totaling $16,000.

One local student from Lower Mills, Cameron Wagner, of Dorchester and a senior at John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, was awarded $4,000/one-year scholarships as a Lottery Scholarship winner. He was sponsored by his father, William Wagner.

“For 40 years, we have been proud to make a difference in the lives of hardworking students and help put them on the path to success,” said SMART Northeast Regional Council President Bob Butler. “Through these scholarships, our members can give back to our communities and the next generation.”

Said SMART NERC Financial Secretary-Treasurer Russell Bartash, “We also want to thank all Local 17 members for contributing to the scholarship fund and making these awards possible.”

Bartash credited the three generations of the Hayward family (Bob, Scott, and Sean) for leading the scholarship committee and helping the program reach new heights. He noted that the program accommodates a wide range of higher education opportunities, so any student can benefit on their path to success.

Seven cents are contributed to Local 17’s scholarship fund for every hour a member works. Over time, this commitment and the collections have added up, making a big difference for hundreds of local students in paying tuition, books, and other academic fees. Scholarships are awarded based on a state Labor History Exam performance or through a lottery drawing.