Stay Informed!

Be the first to know with our newsletter! By subscribing, you’ll receive exclusive community updates, news and events straight to your inbox.

Scholarships Available Through the National Italian American Foundation *Visit www.niaf.net/Scholarships To Apply*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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


(WASHINGTON, DC– January 18, 2005)The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the premier ethnic organization headquartered in the nation’s capital, will present more than 100 scholarships in the academic year 2005-2006 to students across the country. The NIAF has awarded $8 million in scholarships and grants since its inception in 1976. In 2004, more than $1.3 million in cultural and language grants, and scholarships were awarded by the Foundation to hundreds of students.

The NIAF scholarship program celebrated its 29th anniversary in 2004. It has grown from four scholarships of $250 each to more than 100 scholarships that range from $2,500 to $15,000 each in the humanities, medicine, engineering, business, music, Italian language and culture, and other specialized fields. Last year, the average scholarship was more than $4,000.

“Thanks to your contribution, I will have the opportunity to grow [academically]. I appreciate your generosity and your commitment to the education of today’s youth,” Jordan Perry, NIAF 2004 scholarship recipient from Scottsdale, Ariz. said.

NIAF scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 to apply. Applicants must either be of Italian descent, with at least one ancestor who has emigrated from Italy or students can be of any ethnic background majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian American studies or a related field.

Contributors to the NIAF scholarship program include individuals, corporations, and organizations across the U.S. The NIAF will also consider matching scholarships with other organizations.

To establish a NIAF scholarship, contact Serena Cantoni, NIAF director of scholarships and grants, at 202/939-3111, e-mail: serena@niaf.org. To apply for a 2005 -06 NIAF scholarship, visit:www.niaf.org/scholarships. The on-line application will be available in January 2005. Application deadline: April 30, 2005.

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