Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education Grant

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

About UNICO
For over 100 years, UNICO National has served as a compassionate and unwavering leader of the Italian American community. With a mission to promote Italian American heritage and to serve others, UNICO has benevolently impacted local communities while also serving as an esteemed national voice for Italian Americans. Each year, UNICO provides over $1 million dollars to support charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and literary projects. As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, UNICO celebrates the many significant achievements of Italian Americans in the United States.
Founded upon the principle of “Service Above Self,” the members of our chapters across the country devote their time, energy and resources to serve their local communities. UNICO supports various worthy causes, including Cooley’s Anemia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mental Health Wellness, and Cancer Prevention and Research, Food Banks, Shelters, and other Community Needs.
The UNICO Foundation awards numerous scholarships through its national scholarship program.
The UNICO Foundation will grant two scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, to students currently pursuing a degree in the field of Special Education. This includes students with dyslexia, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, behavioral problems, or with disabilities as defined under the Rehabilitation Act.

Eligibility

The candidate must:Be a United States citizen.This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities.Be a student currently attending, full-time, an accredited campus-based college/university program in the United States.Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0Continue their study within the academic year 2025-2026.The scholarship must be applied to the 2026-2027 academic year.SponsorshipAn applicant must reside in the home state of an active UNICO Chapter. Every UNICO Chapter or District, in good standing, may sponsor candidates for each of the UNICO Foundation scholarships.

Ineligibility

Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships.