NIAF on Campus

OUR MISSION

The NIAF on Campus Program brings together students who are active in their college’s Italian clubs to promote the success of Italian organizations on university campuses across the nation and create a stronger Italian American presence in their communities. These student leaders then become long-term fellows of the Foundation to celebrate and advance the inspiring achievements and uplifting values of the Italian culture and presence in America for years to come.

The NIAF on Campus mission is to empower future Italophile leaders to promote the beautiful Italian culture throughout the rest of their lives.


WHAT IS NIAF ON CAMPUS?

The NIAF on Campus program enables college students to appreciate and engage with Italian and Italian American culture in a more profound way outside of the classroom.

Each NIAF on Campus group is eligible for up to $1,500 in funding to carry out NIAF-planned fun and educational events promoting the great contributions of Italian culture in America per academic year. With these events, NIAF has the possibility to engage college students at universities across the country and encourages them to maintain and promote the Italian American culture. Every student who takes part in these events is a potential leader in the future Italian American community.

The NIAF on Campus Program not only empowers young leaders to take the lead in promoting the Italian culture outside of the classroom, but it energizes them to act as the next generation of Italophile leadership after their college careers.

Julia Streisfeld Kennedy, Director of
Scholarships, Grants and Youth Engagement
Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in a US based institution of higher education on a full-time basis for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters
  • Be active in Italian issues through a leadership position in their university’s club or language society, or a major or minor in Italian or Italian American studies.
  • Applicant must demonstrate a commitment to or interest in Italian culture and heritage
  • Have professor of Italian language or Italian/Italian American Studies, professor of language studies (Italian studies or Italian American studies), or department head submit a letter of recommendation on their behalf.
  • Have an active NIAF Membership.
How to Apply

2025-2026 Application Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
2025-2026 Notification Via Email: Monday, September 29, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)

HOW YOU CAN
SUPPORT NIAF ON CAMPUS
BE THE BRIDGE
Share this important program with college students with a passion for the Italian culture that you know and encourage them to apply
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
Help the Foundation fulfill its mission by donating to NIAF

CLICK HERE

Have additional questions? Visit our FAQs page.