FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

(WASHINGTON, DC – February 4, 2004) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce its funding of a one month high school credit session at Lago del Bosco, the Italian language and culture immersion camp at the Language Villages of Concordia College in northern Minnesota. Information about the sleep-away program for high school students this summer is now available through the NIAF. To receive an application form go to www.niaf.org/concordia.

The four-week high school credit session (August 2-28), offering at least 180 hours of instruction, is designed for learners at all levels, beginning to advanced. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a credit equivalent to one year of high school language study. Students must be entering at least their high school freshman year, but must not have entered college. The high school program receives its accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), and credit awarded by Lago del Bosco is accepted at public and private schools throughout the U.S.

The Italian language non-credit program at Lago del Bosco will be offered during the summer of 2004 for two separate age groups: August 2 – 14 for ages 12 to 18 and August 16 – 28 for ages 8 to 14. The NIAF will also offer $20,000 in scholarships to students on a financial need basis to attend the camp.

Lago del Bosco is the only Italian language and culture immersion camp in the U.S. Concordia has been educating young people in languages such as Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Russian since 1961. The culturally authentic camp atmosphere at Lago del Bosco helps young people learn about all aspects of Italian life, history and culture. Participants will speak Italian over breakfast, lunch and dinner and will also learn about Italian music, dance, art, cuisine and sports. The students will leave with a better understanding of the Italian language and culture and a greater appreciation of our global community. To download a video about Concordia Language Villages visit www.ConcordialanguageVillages.org

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Learn more about our youth programs by visiting www.niaf.org