Berkshire Bank is awarding $45,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and southern Vermont through its annual Scholarship Awards Program.  

Through the program, 30 $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college in the fall. Applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated volunteerism in the community and through participation in extracurricular school activities. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and a financial need (total family income under $75,000).

"Berkshire Bank believes that one of life’s most exciting moments is going to college, and we want to do our part to help make it more affordable for students in need," Lori Gazzillo, director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation, said in a statement. "This program exemplifies our support of education and demonstrates our commitment to the communities we serve.