The teachers' union awarded $1.1 million in college scholarships to 250 high school seniors from low-income families during the 42nd annual Albert Shanker Scholarship Ceremony in Downtown Manhattan on Tuesday.

United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn were on hand to present the awards.

The students were picked based on grades, teacher recommendations and personal essays.

"This scholarship is tremendous in helping me, since I'm dorming also and it's not cheap," said Ashley Frankel, who is going to New York University.

"The scholarship isn't just about writing the check. We have people here who work with these students throughout their entire college career," said Mulgrew. "We make sure if they're having problems, keeping up with their academics, we will go and help them."

"It's a statement from the UFT, from the entire City of New York about the great potential these students have, that we in the City of New York believe that their potential is limitless," said Quinn.

Mulgrew said this year they also awarded six scholarships to students who previously went through the program and are now going to graduate school.