Italian Cultural Foundation Scholarship Program

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

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

Application Process

1. Submit one application to be considered for both the Italian Cultural Foundation Scholarship and Vito and Rosalia Memorial Scholarship
2. Required Materials:
   • Completed application form
   • Two essays (topics specified in application)
   • Official high school transcript
   • Letter(s) of recommendation from educators and/or other professional individuals
   • Proof of Italian-American heritage (25% or more)
   • Proof of family relationship to Casa Belvedere member in good standing
   • Financial need documentation
3. Submission Method: Online application portal or mailed submission
4. Timeline:
   • Applications and supporting documents due by specified deadline (check website for current year deadline)
   • Scholarship Committee reviews all applications
   • Recipients announced by specified date
   • Recipients notified by phone call, followed by official letter
   • Award ceremony held at Casa Belvedere (date announced)
5. Award Ceremony Requirement: Recipients must attend the award ceremony at Casa Belvedere to receive award

Questions

Contact Audrey Urcia at 718-273-7660 or audrey@casa-belvedere.org for questions or more information