FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION

*Visit www.niaf.org/scholarships to Apply*

(WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 9, 2008) More than 100 scholarships will be available to students across the nation through the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) for the 2008-2009 academic year. The Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and cultural grants since its inception in 1976, including $1.15 million in 2007.

The NIAF celebrates its 33rd anniversary this year. The scholarship program has grown from four scholarships of $250 each to more than 100 annual scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 each in the humanities, medicine, engineering, business, music, Italian language and culture, and other specialized fields. Last year, the average scholarship was worth more than $4,000.

“It was an incredible honor to receive the NIAF scholarship for my expenses at the University of Arizona during this academic school year. There are countless ways the scholarship has aided me throughout the year with my financial situation and my academic studies,” Christina Ceccato, a 2007 NIAF scholarship recipient, said.

Applicants must either be of Italian descent, with at least one ancestor who has emigrated from Italy, or students of any ethnic background majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian-American studies or a related field. NIAF scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 to apply.

Contributors to the NIAF scholarship program include individuals, corporations, and organizations across the U.S. The NIAF will also consider matching scholarships with other organizations.

To establish a NIAF scholarship, contact Serena Cantoni, NIAF director of scholarships and grants, at 202/939-3111 or serena@niaf.org. Apply online for a 2008-2009 NIAF scholarship at www.niaf.org/scholarships.

Application deadline: March 7, 2008.

Editor’s Note: For student photos, contact Molly Conti at mconti@niaf.org

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