This nonprofit organization administers $1 million in scholarships and grants to two groups of high school seniors and college students: those of Italian heritage, i.e., with at least one ancestor who emigrated from Italy, and those pursuing a major or minor in Italian or Italian studies. All applicants must be United States citizens or permanent resident aliens with a minimum GPA of 3.5. College students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university when applying for scholarships.
Scholarships, from $2,000 to $12,000, must go to tuition or room and board at the college or university. Applications are available online beginning in November. All applicants must submit transcripts, teacher evaluations and applications by March. The foundation announces scholarship winners in May.
National Italian American Foundation
1860 19th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-387-0600
niaf.org
The Sons of Italy Foundation oversees 10 to 12 separate scholarships through its National Leadership Grant Program. High school seniors or college students who have at least one grandparent of Italian descent may apply for the scholarships which range from $5,000 to $25,000.
Some scholarships have additional eligibility requirements. For example, only students studying at Pepperdine University's School of Business and Management can apply for the George L. Graziadio Scholarship. Other scholarships may be used toward any liberal arts degree. Scholarships are also available for those who wish to study the Italian language in the U.S. or in Sorrento, Italy.
Students may win a foundation scholarship only once. The $30 processing fee covers a year’s membership in the organization and a subscription to its magazine.
Applicants must submit a transcript, essay, standardized test scores, resume and letters of recommendation. Downloadable application forms are on the organization's website.
Order Sons of Italy Foundation
Attn: National Leadership Grant Competition
219 E St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
800-55-OSIA
osia.org
This Toledo, Ohio, organization awards need-based scholarships of $2,500 to high school seniors in the club’s area who have earned at least one varsity letter in high school sports while maintaining a 3.0 or better GPA. Students do not have to be Italian ancestry to apply.
Applicants must submit an application form, high school transcript, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, a one-page essay and letters of recommendation from a coach and a teacher. The annual deadline for applying is mid-March. Recipients receive awards at a special dinner in May.
Italian American Sports Club
P.O. Box 8547
Toledo, Ohio 43623
419-215-9889
italiansportsclub.com
The National Organization of Italian American Women gives five need-based scholarships to women of Italian descent attending college full-time as graduate or undergraduate students. One scholarship is for a woman working on an advanced law degree. Four scholarships are for majors in all other fields.
Applicants must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. The organization’s website has downloadable applications. Interested students must submit an essay, transcript, resume and letter of recommendation. Applications are due in mid-March.
National Organization of Italian American Women
25 W. 43rd St., Suite 1005
New York, NY 10036
212-642-2003
noiaw.org