FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

(WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 13, 2006) For the seventh consecutive year, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will sponsor its Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Gift of Discovery program, an educational and cultural initiative that sends 80 Italian American students to Italy. This all-expense-paid trip will take place between May and June 2007.

The goal of NIAF’s Gift of Discovery program is to strengthen Italian- American students’ understanding of their heritage and the contributions Italy is making to the U.S. and the world.

The 10-day trip will include educational lectures; meetings with government officials and business leaders; and visits to government offices, international businesses, museums, and other cultural attractions.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 23 at the time of travel (May 2007); students must beenrolled in a college/university for the semester preceding the trip (Spring 2007); and students must be of Italian heritage.

The application deadline is Friday, December 29, 2006 (5 p.m. EST). Apply online at www.niaf.org/giftofdiscover/index.asp. Applicants are also required to mail a transcript and two written recommendations from a teacher, school official, or political/community leader in ONE envelope. Applicants will be notified by Friday, March 7, 2007.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Americans of Italian descent. Visit www.niaf.org.