If you are a proud U.S. citizen with a strong Italian heritage, then you should take advantage of the numerous scholarships for Italians that are available to reduce the financial burden of attending higher education. As the nation\u2019s fourth largest European ancestry group after Germans, Irish, and English, Italian Americans make up six percent of our population, which equals over 15.7 million people. Since the United States is a nation of immigrants and Italians tend to strongly define themselves by their cultural heritage, more organizations have sponsored scholarships specifically for students with close ties to the Italian-American community. Read on to learn about 25 of the greatest scholarships for Italians that can help you on the path towards achieving the \u201cAmerican Dream\u201d within post-secondary education.<\/p>\n
Deadline: July 19th<\/p>\n
Each year, the Italian Americans in Government Services (IAIGS) will award the Alfred F. Samenga Jr. Memorial Scholarship for up to $2,000 to outstanding graduating high school seniors of Italian heritage who currently reside in Nassau of Suffolk County of New York. Along with the application, qualified candidates are asked to submit their high school transcript, SAT scores, list of community service and work experience, and one-page personal essay describing what it means to be an Italian-American and how they honor their heritage.<\/p>\n
Alfred F. Samenga Jr. Memorial Scholarship
\n12 Kellum Street
\nSouth Huntington, NY 11746
\n(631) 223-3815
\njoefaith@optonline.net<\/p>\n
Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n
At the University of Cincinnati, the College of Nursing presents the Alfred Heil Scholarship Fund to provide up to $1,500 each spring semester to a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate nursing student of Italian-American descent. Qualified applicants must have full-time enrollment status, demonstrate financial need, and possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. It is important to note that students enrolled in the university\u2019s distance learning nursing programs will not be eligible for the scholarship.<\/p>\n
Alfred Heil Scholarship Fund Deadline: March 1st<\/p>\n As part of the Italian American Professionals & Executives Association, the Augustus Society Scholarship Program is available annually to offer $1,000 awards for currently enrolled college students of Italian descent to cover the costs of tuition, books, or other school supplies in post-secondary education. To qualify, candidates must be legal residents of Clark County in Nevada, be enrolled with full-time status in the upcoming fall, show financial need, and be actively involved in their local Italian American community.<\/p>\n Augustus Society Scholarship Program Deadline: October 31st<\/p>\n Annually, the Columbian Club Charitable Foundation Scholarship is awarded for $2,500 to $5,000 to currently enrolled freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior-level undergraduate students of at least 25% Italian lineage who are permanent residents of Illinois. For consideration, applicants are required to attach a recent transcript, two letters of reference, verification of full-time enrollment, a passport-style photograph, and an original narrative essay of 500-750 words highlighting their Italian ancestry.<\/p>\n Columbian Club Charitable Foundation Scholarship Deadline: April 15th<\/p>\n As the largest Italian American service organization in the United States, UNICO National has established the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship to grant a maximum of $5,000 to an extraordinary U.S. citizen of Italian heritage who is pursuing post-graduate education at an accredited medical school. Applicants must be active members of a UNICO chapter in California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, or Wisconsin.<\/p>\n Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship Deadline: Varies<\/p>\n Granting a total of $1.8 million over the past nine years, the Edward Cardinal Egan Scholarship Program is operated through the Tri-State Italian-American Congress to provide financial assistance to graduating high school students of Italian descent in the Archdiocese of New York who are continuing their Catholic education in college. Candidates must include an official high school transcript, financial statement, list of previous work experience or extra-curricular activities, and 750-word essay discussing long-term goals.<\/p>\n Edward Cardinal Egan Scholarship Program Deadline: February 15th<\/p>\n In honor of his contributions to the world of film and stage, the Columbus Citizens Foundation has created the Franco Zeffirelli Scholarship Fund for the Arts to enhance cultural exchange between Italy and America. In order to be eligible for up to $3,000, applicants must be majoring in the performing or fine arts, be of Italian descent, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be entering their freshman year in the fall, and live in a household where the total gross income does not exceed $25,000 per capita.<\/p>\n Franco Zeffirelli Scholarship Fund for the Arts Deadline: February 28th<\/p>\n Through the Order Sons of Italy in America, the Henry Salvatori Scholarship for General Study is awarded to U.S. citizens of Italian descent who are in their senior year of high school and are planning to attend an undergraduate program at a four-year accredited institution. Selection will be based on applicants\u2019 leadership abilities, academic performance, class rank, test scores, extra-curricular activities, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal essay showing their understanding of the principles our nation was founded upon.<\/p>\n Henry Salvatori Scholarship for General Study Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n Within the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean, the Honorable John C. Manna Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to seniors who have completed four years of an Italian Studies program at a public or non-public secondary school in New Jersey. Qualified applicants must be in the top 25% of their graduating class, be enrolled in higher education, be the child or grandchild of a member in good standing, and submit a typed essay describing what their Italian heritage means to them.<\/p>\n Honorable John C. Manna Scholarship Deadline: May 16th<\/p>\n Each year, the Italian-American Heritage Society of Notre Dame\/Michiana will present a $1,000 non-renewable scholarship for outstanding local scholar-athletes of Italian descent who will be furthering their education at an accredited higher learning institution in the upcoming fall term. To qualify, candidates must submit a high school transcript, letter of acceptance, proof of Indiana residence, evidence of financial need, and a one-page typed essay discussing contributions to their school or community.<\/p>\n Italian-American Heritage Society Scholarship Deadline: June 15th<\/p>\n For students in public or private Catholic high schools in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Illinois, the Italian Catholic Federation College Scholarship Program provides $2,500 in total funding over four years of undergraduate studies to Roman Catholic graduating high school seniors of Italian descent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or greater. Recipients will be chosen based on scholastic achievement, financial need, leadership roles, charitable efforts, extracurricular activities, and faculty recommendations.<\/p>\n Italian Catholic Federation College Scholarship Program Deadline: March 31st<\/p>\n In an effort to give back to the region in Italy where its namesake was born, the John R. Mott Foundation Scholarship is granted annually for up to $10,000 to students native to the region of Calabria who will be attending a university or graduate school in the upcoming fall term in pursuit of a degree or professional certification in the United States. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and candidates\u2019 intended future contributions to the region of Calabria in Italy.<\/p>\n John R. Mott Foundation Scholarship Deadline: May 15th<\/p>\n As an association for attorneys of Italian ancestry in Philadelphia and the surrounding community, the Justinian Society Foundation awards Student Scholarships each year for at least $1,500 to help defray the expense of third-year tuition at accredited area law schools. Eligible applicants must have Italian parents or grandparents, be a member in good standing, demonstrate financial need, have an excellent academic record, exhibit the highest integrity, and show outstanding potential in the legal field.<\/p>\n Justinian Society of Philadelphia Student Scholarships Deadline: March 31st<\/p>\n Annually, the Le Italo-Americane Di Oggi (Italian-American Women of Today) opens the LIADO Scholarship Program to full-time post-secondary students of Italian descent who are entering their semester, are a continuing undergraduate or graduate student in good standing, or are returning to school to seek a degree at an accredited institution this fall. Along with the application, candidates must submit an official transcript, recent letter of recommendation, brief resume, and four short 250-word essay responses.<\/p>\n LIADO Scholarship Program Deadline: April 10th<\/p>\n For children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Society members in good standing for a minimum of two years, the Louisville Society of Italian Americans offers a $1,000 annual scholarship to reduce the costs of tuition for attending an accredited college or vocational school in the United States. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school seniors, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, submit a typed essay about their Italian heritage, and be available for a personal interview.<\/p>\n Louisville Society of Italian Americans Scholarship Deadline: February 15th<\/p>\n Through the Association of Italian American Educators (AIAE), the Mauro and Josephine A. Maietta Scholarship is designed to cover the tuition costs for students of Italian-American heritage to attend the Programma Ponte for first-hand experience in Rome, Italy. Qualified applicants must be between 19-24 years old, be undergraduate students at an accredited four-year U.S. institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, have one parent or grandparent of Italian ancestry, and possess proficiency in the Italian language.<\/p>\n Mauro and Josephine A. Maietta Scholarship Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n For $2,000 annually, the Men\u2019s Italian American Civic League Scholarship is granted to outstanding male graduating high school seniors in Utah of recent Italian ancestry who will be admitted as a matriculated student in a higher learning institution in the upcoming fall. Recipients will be chosen based on ACT or SAT scores, exceptional high school academic abilities, involvement in extra-curricular activities, Italian heritage, and active participation in an Italian cultural organization.<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Italian American Civic League Scholarship Deadline: March 1st<\/p>\n Ranging in value from $2,000 to $12,000 each, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) presents annual scholarships to Italian-American undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, medical, dental, and legal students across the United States who demonstrate outstanding potential and achievements. Also, there are scholarships available for NIAF members from any ethnic background who are majoring in Italian language, Italian studies, or a related field.<\/p>\n National Italian American Foundation Scholarships Deadline: February 28th<\/p>\n Within the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), the National Leadership Grants are awarded annually for $4,000 to $25,000 apiece nationwide to U.S. citizens of Italian descent who will be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a four-year accredited academic institution for the upcoming fall semester full-time. In order to be one of the lucky 12 winners, candidates must have at least one Italian or Italian American grandparent, submit a sealed official transcript, and send a $30 non-refundable processing fee.<\/p>\n National Leadership Grants Deadline: March 31st<\/p>\n Every year, the National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW) has presented scholarships to female matriculated undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree full-time at an accredited U.S. institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. While all applicants are to have one parent of Italian or Italian-American descent, preference will be given to students who have demonstrated excellence in studying the Italian language and\/or culture, especially within the CUNY system.<\/p>\n National Organization of Italian American Women Scholarships Deadline: May 16th<\/p>\n With the primary purpose of promoting the Italian language and culture, the Center for Italian & Italian American Culture Inc. has created the Peter Cocoziello Sr. Scholarship to provide $5,000 to graduating high school seniors of Italian-American heritage who will be pursuing a degree in post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, write an original 500-word essay explaining what role Italian heritage has played in their life, demonstrate financial need, and attach an official high school transcript.<\/p>\n Peter Cocoziello Sr. Scholarship Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n Sponsored by the Italian-American Society of Peoria in memory of the six-time past president and member for over five decades, the Robert L. Facker Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $900 to lower tuition costs, textbooks, lab fees, and other expenses associated with attending Illinois Central College (ICC) in East Peoria. To qualify, candidates must be of Italian descent, be children or grandchildren of Society members deemed in good standing, and be graduating high school seniors interested in advancing their education.<\/p>\n Robert L. Facker Memorial Scholarship Deadline: August 31st<\/p>\n In keeping with the principles that were established by the patron saint of Naples who worked tirelessly to help those in need, the San Gennaro Foundation offers the Italian-American Student Scholarship each year to U.S. citizens of Italian descent who will be enrolling full-time in a recognized junior college<\/a>, college, or university. Applicants must submit official transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a one-page essay on influence of Italian culture in their life, a short biography of future career goals, and a recommendation.<\/p>\n San Gennaro Foundation Italian-American Student Scholarship Deadline: September 27th<\/p>\n Through a considerate donation made by the founder of the largest independently owned sweeping company in the Midwest, the Victor J. Cacciatore and Elgin Sweeping Scholarship has been established by the Italian American Executives of Transportation (IAET) to graduating high school students residing in the state of Illinois. Qualified recipients must demonstrate academic achievement, be of Italian-American heritage, be enrolling full-time in a post-secondary institution, and have significant financial need.<\/p>\n Victor J. Cacciatore and Elgin Sweeping Scholarship Deadline: April 15th<\/p>\n As the largest Italian American service organization in the United States, UNICO National offers the William C. Davini Scholarship for $6,000 annually to graduating high school seniors who will be attending an accredited college or university program in the United States as full-time matriculated undergraduate students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have Italian heritage, demonstrate financial need, show academic promise, and reside in the home state of an active UNICO chapter.<\/p>\n William C. Davini Scholarship Although often overlooked, a student\u2019s cultural heritage can offer a direct line to valuable financial aid resources that will help to cover the rising costs of pursuing an academic degree in higher education. If you are able to trace your family\u2019s roots to specific regions of Italy, then be sure to check out these scholarships for Italians for receiving the financial support to your professional goals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nP.O. Box 210038
\nCincinnati, OH 45221
\n(513) 558-3600
\nnursing@uc.edu
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n3. Augustus Society Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\nP.O. Box 230016
\nLas Vegas, NV 89105
\n(720) 530-1380
\nemail@augustus.org<\/p>\n4. Columbian Club Charitable Foundation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n512 West Van Buren
\nElmhurst, IL 60126
\n(630) 833-0465<\/p>\n5. Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n271 US Highway 46 West Suite F-103
\nFairfield, NJ 07004
\n(973) 808-0035
\njntidona@unico.org<\/p>\n6. Edward Cardinal Egan Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n36 Farview Terrace
\nParamus, NJ 07652
\n(800) 772-8884
\ninfo@trisiac.org<\/p>\n7. Franco Zeffirelli Scholarship Fund for the Arts<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n8 East 69th Street
\nNew York, NY 10021
\n(212) 249-9923
\njperillo@columbuscitizens.org<\/p>\n8. Henry Salvatori Scholarship for General Study<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n219 East Street NE
\nWashington, DC 20002
\n(202) 547-2900
\nnationaloffice@osia.org
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n9. Honorable John C. Manna Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n610 Palmer Avenue
\nWest Allenhurst, NJ 07711
\n(732) 996-2114
\njohnnapolitani@aol.com<\/p>\n10. Italian-American Heritage Society Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n131 South Taylor Street
\nSouth Bend, IN 46601
\n(574) 245-5966
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n11. Italian Catholic Federation College Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n8393 Capwell Drive Suite 110
\nOakland, CA 94621
\n(510) 633-9058
\ninfo@icf.org<\/p>\n12. John R. Mott Foundation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n1860 19th Street NW
\nWashington, DC 20009
\n(202) 684-9984
\ninfo@mottscholarship.org<\/p>\n13. Justinian Society of Philadelphia Student Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n3320 South 20th Street
\nPhiladelphia, PA 19145
\n(215) 545-0706
\nJustinian@Justinian.org<\/p>\n14. LIADO Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\nP.O. Box 7487
\nClearwater, FL 33758
\n(727) 785-4413
\npres@liado.net<\/p>\n15. Louisville Society of Italian Americans Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n146 Jackson Circle
\nP.O. Box 464
\nLouisville, Co 80027
\nemail@louisvilleitalianclub.org<\/p>\n16. Mauro and Josephine A. Maietta Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\nHofstra University
\nNew Academic Building Suite 321
\nHempstead, NY 11549
\n(516) 463-6600
\nponteapps@gmail.com<\/p>\n17. Men\u2019s Italian American Civic League Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n2417 East Kensington Avenue
\nSalt Lake City, UT 84108
\n(801) 582-2282
\ninfo@utahitalians.com
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n18. National Italian American Foundation Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n1860 19th Street NW
\nWashington, DC 20009
\n(202) 387-0600
\ninformation@niaf.org<\/p>\n19. National Leadership Grants<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n219 East Street NE
\nWashington, DC 20002
\n(202) 547-2900
\nnationaloffice@osia.org<\/p>\n20. National Organization of Italian American Women Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n25 West 43rd Street Suite 1005
\nNew York, NY 10036
\n(212) 642-2003
\nnoiaw@noiaw.org<\/p>\n21. Peter Cocoziello Sr. Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n411 Pompton Avenue Suite 5
\nCedar Grove, NJ 07009
\n(973) 571-1995
\ninfo@ciiac.org
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n22. Robert L. Facker Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\nP.O. Box 6276
\nPeoria, IL 61601
\n(309) 694-5422
\nInfo@ICC.edu<\/p>\n23. San Gennaro Foundation Italian-American Student Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n16217 Kittridge Street
\nVan Nuys, CA 91406
\n(818) 508-0082
\ninfo@sangennarofoundation.org<\/p>\n24. Victor J. Cacciatore and Elgin Sweeping Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n129 South Spruce Avenue Suite 308
\nWooddale, IL 60191
\n(630) 350-1987
\nscholarship@iaet-chicago.org<\/p>\n25. William C. Davini Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n271 US Highway 46 West Suite F-103
\nFairfield, NJ 07004
\n(973) 808-0035
\njntidona@unico.org<\/p>\n