FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

**NIAF All-Expenses-Paid Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program**

* Visit www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery *

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 5, 2013) For the 15th consecutive year, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will sponsor its Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program, an educational and cultural initiative that sends Italian American students enrolled in a college or university to Italy each year. This all-expenses-paid trip will take place in June 2014.

The goal of the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program is to strengthen Italian American students’ understanding of their heritage and the contributions Italy has made to the world.

“The Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery is a cornerstone program at the National Italian American Foundation and one we are extremely proud of,” said NIAF President and COO John M. Viola. “Over the years, more than 500 Italian American students have discovered the land of our ancestors and had the opportunity to engage contemporary Italy. This year is the second year in which our trip will include a service element within the program, so the youth of our community can give something back to Italy as well, and that is an addition we are very pleased to be able to include.”

The 10-day trip will include opportunities for students to perform community service, attend educational lectures, meet with government officials and business leaders, and visit government offices, international businesses, museums and other cultural attractions.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 23 at the time of travel (June 2014); students must be enrolled in a college or university for the semester preceding the trip (Spring 2014); and students must be of Italian heritage.

The application deadline is January 31, 2014 (11:59 p.m. EST).

Apply online at www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery. Only online applications will be accepted. Applicants are also required to mail a transcript and two written recommendations from a teacher, school official or political or community leader. Applicants will be notified via email on Monday, March 3, 2014.