Local Union 488 Richard Herlihy Memorial Scholarship Test

Before his retirement,  former Business Manager Patrick Donahue made a proposal to the trustees of the Education Fund to rename the annual scholarships. The result of that proposal was to rename the annual scholarships in memory of past Apprenticeship Director Richard Herlihy for his commitment to educating the members of Local 488.

The Local 488 Education Fund helps to relieve some of the financial pressure created by the skyrocketing cost of a college education through the funding of two (2) four-year scholarships valued at $6,000.00 each ($1,500.00 per year), to the top two scorers on the annual scholarship examination. The Education Fund also offers awards of $300.00 to all participants that complete the examination to help with some of the smaller incidental costs of college life. The scholarship exam is open to the children of IBEW Local 488 members who are graduating from high school or are completing their first year of college. To be eligible, the member must be in good standing with a current dues receipt. The member must also be employed by a contributing contractor, on the available for work list, or employed as an electrical inspector in the State of Connecticut.   Annual aptitude tests are normally held in June.

Scholarship Awards are received in the following manner. Participants must provide proof of payments in the form of receipts for tuition, books, course registrations and materials, or other valid educational expenses to the Trustees of the Education Fund for verification. Once this process is completed, the member will be notified to appear at the next union meeting to receive the payment.

Eligibility:  The exam is open to all children of ACTIVE IBEW LOCAL 488 MEMBERS that are in good standing with the Local Union and the International Office.  The students must also be graduating high school this year or be completing their first year of college.  If you have a question regarding the eligibility of your child, please call Tom Sportini at the union hall as soon as possible.

Time and Location:   The test will be held in the IBEW 488 JATC Classrooms, 721 Main Street, Monroe, on Saturday June 14, 2025 at 10:00am.  Please arrive 15 minutes early to facilitate check-in.

Registration:  To register your child for the exam, please call Tom Sportini at 203-459-0836, or send an email to jatc488@yahoo.com with the following information before May 31, 2025:

Member's Name, Student's Name, High School they are graduating from (May/June 2025), The college they are attending (if already enrolled for one year as a freshman)