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

(WASHINGTON, DC — February 12, 2003) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will award up to $20,000 in scholarships for young people (ages 8-18) to learn and expand their knowledge of Italian language and culture this summer at Lago del Bosco, the new Italian Language Village and camp for kids in Minnesota. To learn more about the camp and apply for a scholarship, go to www.niaf.org/concordia.

The Italian language program at Lago del Bosco will be offered during the summer of 2003 for two separate age groups: July 28 to August 9 for ages 12 to 18 and August 11 to August 23 for ages 8 to 14.

Last year, the NIAF awarded a $10,000 grant to Concordia College to initiate the project. NIAF will award scholarships to students based on financial need.

Lago del Bosco, is the only Italian language and culture immersion camp in the U.S. and the latest addition to Concordia Language Villages. The organization 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 will help 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.

For photos go to www.cord.edu/student/images/clv/02/Italian/index.htm