I'm a high school junior with Italian heritage, and I'm wondering if there are any scholarships available specifically for students with Italian backgrounds. I've heard about cultural scholarships, but I'm not sure where to start looking. Any advice would be appreciated!
Absolutely, there are indeed scholarships aimed at students of Italian descent. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), for instance, provides scholarships to outstanding students in the spring for use during the following academic year. The awards are based on academic merit and have varied criteria. Some are open to all Italian American students, while others are reserved for specific courses, regions, or those demonstrating financial need.
Additionally, the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), one of the oldest and largest organizations for people of Italian heritage in the United States, offers scholarships for students of Italian descent.
There's also the Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) that provides scholarships to individuals who are Roman Catholic and of Italian Descent, live within the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Arizona, California, Illinois, and Nevada, with certain areas in Illinois and Nevada under consideration.
Searching for scholarships can seem daunting but there are tools and resources you can use. Check out Appily, for example, to look for scholarships based on your personal profile.
It's important to note, eligibility requirements for such scholarships can be quite specific sometimes, such as requiring a certain percentage of Italian heritage or proof of active involvement in the Italian-American community. Make sure you meet all the criteria before you apply! Good luck!
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