FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

**NIAF All-Expenses-Paid Voyage of Discovery Program**
* Visit www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery*

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 6, 2007) For the eighth 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 more than 50 Italian-American students to Italy. This all-expenses-paid trip will take place between May and June 2008.

The goal of NIAF’s Voyage of Discovery program is to strengthen Italian- American students’ understanding of their heritage and the contributions Italy has made to the world.

The 10-day trip will include educational lectures; meetings with government officials and business leaders; and visits to government offices, international businesses, museums, and other cultural attractions.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 23 at the time of travel (May 2008); students must be enrolled in a college/university for the semester preceding the trip (Spring 2008); and students must be of Italian heritage.

The application deadline is Wednesday, January 2, 2008 (5 p.m. EST). Apply online at www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery.

Applicants are also required to mail a transcript and two written recommendations from a teacher, school official, or political/community leader in ONE envelope. Applicants will be notified by Monday, March 3, 2008.

NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.