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Invitation to Cover

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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


Program contact: Serena Cantoni, 202-939-3111 or serena@niaf.org

Conference: Promotion of Italian Language in U.S. Schools K-16

Sponsors: The Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C.
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

When: Thursday afternoon, June 24, 2004; 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, June 25, 2004; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: THURSDAY–The Embassy of Italy
3000 Whitehaven Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-614-4400

FRIDAY– Hilton Embassy Row
2015 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-265-1600

The Republic of Italy’s Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Sergio Vento, will open a conference The Promotion of the Italian Language in U.S. Schools K-16 at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C., June 24 at 4 p.m. Vento will discuss the Advanced Placement (AP) program in Italian in U.S. schools. The Embassy of Italy and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) are sponsoring the conference to create a network of professionals and organizations across the country for the promotion of Italian language in schools.

Matilda Raffa Cuomo, former First Lady of New York and former member of the NIAF board of directors, will serve as the mistress of ceremonies. Key representatives from the College Board, the Italian AP Task Force, the Italian consular offices, university Italian departments across the U.S., Italian language teachers associations and Italian American organizations will participate at the conference.

Conference topics: Thursday, June 24 – Embassy of Italy
4:00 p.m. Welcome address by Ambassador Vento
4:15 p.m. Foreign Language Advocacy Strategy in U.S.
5:00 p.m. Status Report: Advanced Placement Programs in Italian Language and Culture
7:00 p.m. Reception

Friday, June 25 – Hilton Embassy Row
9:00 a.m. Introductory remarks
9:10 a.m. Foreign Language Study in USA
10:00 a.m. Panel Presentation One: State, Federal & Private Funding; Teacher Professional Development
11:10 a.m. Panel Presentation Two: Teacher Certification
Noon The Role of Organizations in Promoting Italian Language
12:30 p.m. Funding Options
2:00 p.m. Mock Presentation: How NEH Reviews the Projects Received

The conference is not open to the general public.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, Dc and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit our website at www.niaf.org .