FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

** Summer Program for Young People Ages 8 to 18 **

(WASHINGTON, DC – January 28, 2003) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce the establishment of Lago del Bosco, the new Italian language and culture immersion camp at the Language Villages of Concordia College in Minnesota. Information about the sleep-away program for youngsters (ages 8 to18) this summer is now available through the NIAF. To receive an application form go to www.niaf.org/concordia.

The Italian language program at Lago del Bosco will be offered during the summer of 2003 for two separate age groups: July 28 to August 9 for ages 12 to 18 and August 11 to August 23 for ages 8 to 14. The NIAF will also offer up to $20,000 in scholarships to students on a financial need basis to attend the camp. NIAF Executive Director John Salamone and its director of education and scholarships, Serena Cantoni, both serve on the camp’s advisory committee.

“The future leaders of America are our children. The Concordia Language Villages gives young people one of the best opportunities to learn Italian and understand how Italian culture has influenced many aspects of their everyday lives,” said Salamone. Last year, the NIAF awarded a $10,000 grant to Concordia College to initiate this project.

Lago del Bosco is the latest addition to Concordia Language Villages, an organization that has been educating young people in languages such as Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Russian since 1961. The culturally authentic camp atmosphere at Lago del Bosco will help young people learn about all aspects of Italian life, history and culture. Participants will speak Italian over breakfast, lunch and dinner and will also learn about Italian music, dance, art, cuisine and sports. The students will leave with a better understanding of the Italian language and culture and a greater appreciation of our global community.