Italian Cultural Foundation Scholarship Program

Italian Cultural Foundation Scholarship Program

Funder: The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere, Staten Island, NY

Status: Active (launched 2023)

Geographic Scope: Open to students, emphasis on Italian-American heritage

Focus Areas: Support for college-bound students of Italian-American heritage; promoting academic excellence and empowering the next generation of Italian-American leaders

Program Details

Two scholarships available:

1. Italian Cultural Foundation Scholarship - Funded annually by the Italian Cultural Foundation
2. Vito and Rosalia Memorial Scholarship Fund - Created in 2023 by the children and friends of Vito Biancardi (1936-2017) and Rosalia Biancardi (1938-2022). Vito and Rosalia were immigrants from Italy who sacrificed to provide a better life for their children and understood education as the great equalizer.

Students submit one application to be considered for both scholarships. Only one student awarded per scholarship for a total of two recipients per year.

Award Amount: $2,500 per year for up to four years, contingent on maintaining a minimum 3.5 GPA annually

Renewal: 2023 and later recipients receive $2,500 renewal if all criteria are met

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be of Italian-American origin (25% or more)
• Must be a high school senior accepted as a full-time student into an accredited college or university
• Must hold a 3.5 or higher overall GPA (per official transcript)
• Must be a blood relative of a Casa Belvedere member in good standing
• To qualify for annual $2,500 renewal: must remain enrolled full-time and maintain minimum 3.5 GPA

Selection Criteria

Scholarship Committee reviews applications and supporting documents with emphasis on:

Academic achievement and merit

Involvement in community, extracurricular and social activities

Recommendations from educators and other professional individuals

Contents of two required essays

Financial need

Contact Information

Audrey Urcia
Phone: 718-273-7660
Email: audrey@casa-belvedere.org

Organization: Casa Belvedere – The Italian Cultural Foundation
Location: Staten Island, New York