Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans

Scholarships

The JCCIA has awarded over $300,000 to students of Italian heritage over the years through various scholarships. In addition, over $200,000 has been awarded to young Italian Americans through Women’s Division at their annual Scholarship and Fashion Show.

The JCCIA offers seven different scholarship initiatives each year, and selects multiple recipients for each scholarship. Needless to say, this important program will continue for years to come!

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is proud to offer the John Fischetti Scholarship, awarded to students who are of 50% or more of Italian ancestry and have been accepted into or enrolled in an undergraduate degree program majoring in journalism or media communications.

Deadline: April 24, 2026

Download Scholarship Application

The Women’s Division of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is offering several Two thousand dollars scholarships to young ladies of Italian heritage, who are graduating high school at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. This Scholarship award will be presented on April 24th, 2026 at the Scholarship Benefit Fashion Show and Dinner to be held at the Drury Lane Oak Brook, Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2026

Apply Today!

Description of Scholarship: The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is proud to offer high academic achievement, and a resident of Illinois. The scholarship is merit-based for students, taking into the Jo Ann Serpico Scholarship that is awarded to students who are of 50% or more of Italian extraction demonstrating leadership, community service, consideration the combination of academic achievement along with leadership and community service experiences. Jo Ann Serpico was a dedicated leader and influential member of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA),known for her tireless advocacy for Italian American heritage, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

Requirements: Competitive applicants must be of 50% or more of Italian extraction, with proven leadership and community service experience along with high academic achievement, and a resident of Illinois. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their Italian heritage, leadership and community service experience, high academic achievement, and the quality of their JCCIA Jo Ann Serpico Scholarship Application. Applicants must have proof of being admitted to and/or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education.

Award Amount: The award amount may be up to $2,000.00 for a one-time annual scholarship.

Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete JCCIA Jo Ann Serpico scholarship application and any required documentation as indicated on the application form. An application showing leadership and community service experience along with a current school transcript must be submitted to the JCCIA by the deadline date indicated on the application. The application is available on the JCCIA website which should be completed, along with any required documentation (if applicable) and submitted electronically to jcc@jccia.com as one complete pdf file.

Deadline for Application: Students must submit a complete JCCIA Jo Ann Serpico Scholarship application and required documentation between June 1, 2026, and the deadline date of September 15, 2026, to be considered by the JCCIA Scholarship Committee.

Award Notification: Students selected as award recipients will be notified in a communication from the JCCIA by October 1, 2026 and will be required to attend the Columbus Day Parade or reception for the scholarship award presentation.

Deadline: October 1, 2026

Download Scholarship Application

Description of Scholarship: The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is proud to offer. For over sixty years, Marie Pallello served as the Executive Secretary of The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. We give this scholarship to perpetuate her legacy as one of the reasons the JCCIA has flourished.

Requirements: Competitive applicants must be of 50% or more of Italian extraction, with proven leadership and community service academic achievement. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of their Italian heritage, leadership and community service experience, high academic achievement, and the quality of their JCCIA Marie Palello Scholarship Application. Applicants must have proof of being admitted to and/or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education and must be a resident of Illinois.

Award Amount: The award amount may be up to $2,000.00 for a one-time scholarship.

Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete JCCIA Marie Palello scholarship application and any required documentation as indicated on the application form. An application showing leadership and community service experience along with a current school transcript must be submitted to the JCCIA by the deadline date indicated on the application. The application is available on the JCCIA website which should be completed, along with any required documentation (if applicable) and submitted electronically to jcc@jccia.com as one complete pdf file.

Deadline for Application: Students must submit a complete JCCIA Marie Palello Scholarship application and required documentation between June 1, 2026 and the deadline date of September 15, 2026 to be considered by the JCCIA Scholarship Committee.

Award Notification: Students selected as award recipients will be notified from the JCCIA by October 1, 2026 and will be required to attend the Columbus Day Parade or reception for the scholarship presentation.

Deadline: October 1, 2026

Download Scholarship Application

Description of Scholarship: The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is proud to offer – from the Nicholas and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship Fund– scholarships that are awarded to persons of Italian parentage for assistance in music or education for college students who are orphans or who were raised in foster homes. Preference for scholarship awards may be given to students studying music in college beyond the freshman level. However, scholarships can be awarded for other fields of study. Preference for scholarship awards may also be given to those individuals who have been orphaned and wish to pursue their personal and professional goals of attending college. The scholarship is merit-based for students, taking into consideration the combination of academic achievement and talent.

Requirements: Primary consideration is given to music majors, but other applicants are considered and encouraged to apply. Competitive students should have a strong academic background, musical talent (if applied towards music major), demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to serving their Italian- American community, and a resident of the State of Illinois. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit, talent, quality of their Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) Application, commitment to their education, intended degree area, and/or other relevant factors.

Award Amount: The award amount may be up to $6,500.00 for a one-time scholarship.

Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete JCCIA scholarship application and any required documentation as indicated on the application form. These materials must be submitted by the deadline application date indicated below. The application is available on the JCCIA website which should be completed, along with any required documentation (if applicable) and submitted electronically to jcc@jccia.com as one complete single pdf file otherwise the application may be denied.

Deadline for Application: Students must submit a complete JCCIA scholarship application and required documentation between June 1, 2026 and the deadline date of November 1, 2026 in order to be considered.

Award Notification: Students selected as award recipients will be notified by the JCCIA by December 1, 2026 and will be required to attend the December JCCIA meeting/reception for the scholarship award presentation.

Deadline: November 1, 2026

Download Scholarship Application

Description of Scholarship: The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is proud to offer – from the Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship Fund – scholarships that are awarded to students of Italian extraction demonstrating financial need and high academic achievement.

Requirements: Competitive students must be of Italian extraction, demonstrate financial need, must have high academic achievement, and a resident of the State of Illinois. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of their Italian heritage, financial need, high academic achievement, essay (500 words or less) detailing why the Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship will help them to fulfill their personal and professional goals, and the quality of their JCCIA Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship Application. Students must have a demonstrated financial need for their education and must have proof of being admitted to and/or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education.

Award Amount: The award amount may be up to $5,000.00 for a one-time annual scholarship.

Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete JCCIA Frank J. Vigilante scholarship application and any required documentation as indicated on the application form. These materials must be submitted by the deadline application date indicated below. The application is available on the JCCIA website which should be completed, along with any required documentation (if applicable) and submitted electronically to jcc@jccia.com as one complete single pdf file otherwise the application may be denied.

Deadline for Application: Students must submit a complete JCCIA Frank J. Vigilante scholarship application and required documentation between June 1, 2026, and November 1, 2026, to be considered by the JCCIA Scholarship Committee.

Award Notification: Students selected as award recipients will be notified by the JCCIA by December 1, 2026, and will be required to attend the December JCCIA Christmas Party for the scholarship award presentation.

Deadline: November 1, 2026

Download Scholarship Application

Description of Scholarship: The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is proud to offer the Joseph U. Bottalla Scholarship – from the Joseph U. Bottalla Scholarship Fund – awarded to students who are Illinois residents of 50% or more of Italian extraction, have studied Italian language for at least two
years or currently enrolled in an Italian language course, either in high school or college, and are admitted to or enrolled at an accredited institute of higher education.

Requirements: Competitive applicants must be an Illinois resident of 50% or more of Italian extraction, have studied Italian language for at least two years or currently enrolled in an Italian language course, either in high school or college, and are admitted to or enrolled at an accredited institute of higher education, and have submitted a 500-word essay on “how has your Italian heritage influenced you.” Scholarship recipients are selected on the above-mentioned criteria, quality of their 500-word essay and the quality of their JCCIA Joseph U. Bottalla Scholarship Application. Applicants must provide proof/documentation of having studied or being currently enrolled in Italian language courses and being admitted to and/or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education (i.e. transcripts, acceptance letter).

Award Amount: The award amount may be up to $1,500.00 scholarship. Applicants/recipients can re- apply each year.

Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete JCCIA Joseph U. Bottalla Scholarship application and any required documentation as indicated on the application form. An application, 500-word essay about how your Italian heritage has influenced you, along with a current school transcript must be submitted to the JCCIA by the deadline date indicated on the application. The application is available on the JCCIA website which should be completed, along with any required documentation (if applicable) and submitted electronically to jcc@jccia.com as one complete pdf file.

Deadline for Application: Students must submit a complete JCCIA Joseph U. Bottalla Scholarship application and required documentation as one complete pdf file between June 1, 2026 and the deadline date of November 1, 2026 to be considered by the JCCIA Scholarship Committee.

Award Notification: Students selected as award recipients will be notified in a communication from the JCCIA by December 1, 2026 and will be required to attend the JCCIA December meeting/Christmas party.

Deadline: November 1, 2026

Download Scholarship Application

Scholarships in the Italian-American Community

Each year, Italian-American organizations award tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to worthy high school and college students. The following is a list of this year’s scholarship offerings and how to apply for them. Most scholarships have attendance and other requirements, so gather your applications early and study them carefully before applying!

American Italian Cultural Society — Two scholarships given to high school seniors based on a point system that takes into account grade point average, work or extracurricular activities, membership or relationship to a member, volunteer activity with the society, and Italian ancestry. The application requires a personal essay about career goals.
Deadline: Postmarked by March 31.
Visit americanitalian.org

Amici Naperville Area Italian American Club — One $2,000 merit-based scholarship awarded to a qualifying high school senior of Italian descent who either attends a Naperville-area school or is related to an Amici member.
Deadline: April 15.
Presentation: General meeting in May. Recipient must be present.
Visit amiciclub.org or contact Armando Serafini at 630-745-1085 or aserafini55@gmail.com.

Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization — Several $2,500 scholarships awarded to high school seniors based on academic achievement and need.
Deadline: May 1.
Contact Frank Giudice at 630-941-4700, Jerry Saviano at 630-628-6867 ext. 222 or Fred Lonigro at 630-728-2311.

CI-AMA (Cegliesi Italo-American Association) — Several $2,000 scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate/graduate students of Italian descent who meet academic and character requirements.
Deadline: Aug. 16.
Presentation: Oct. 20.
Visit ci-ama.org/scholarship.

Columbian Club Charitable Foundation — Multiple scholarships ranging from $2,500-$5,000 awarded to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate/graduate students of Italian descent who are permanent residents of the state of Illinois. Scholarships are available for accounting, art history, business, dentistry, engineering, finance, Italian studies, law, medicine, music education and other professional endeavors
Deadline: Oct. 31
Presentation: January 2025.
Visit columbianclub.org

The IANU St. Anthony Lodge — One $3,000 Anthony and Lena Paterno Memorial Scholarship awarded to an undergraduate student of Italian descent living in the Chicago area, based on exceptional scholastic achievements. Applicant must provide a brief autobiography explaining their involvement and interest in their cultural and family background and their plans for the future.
Deadline: July 1.
Presentation: General dinner meeting in late summer 2025
Contact Ralph Cantal at 708-452-6438 or rcantal@earthlink.net

Italian American Executives of Transportation — Multiple scholarships starting at $1,000 awarded to high school graduates in year of application based on Illinois residency, academic achievement, community involvement and need. Italian ancestry is not necessary but a plus.
Deadline: Aug. 31. Recipients must attend the IAET awards banquet.
Visit iaet-chicago.org or contact Bill Lowendick at 513-910-8894 or scholarship@iaet-chicago.org

Italian Catholic Federation — Approximately 150 $400 scholarships awarded to high school students who are of Italian heritage and Catholic faith, or are children of non-Italian ICF members. Applicant evaluations are based on scholastic achievement, financial need, leadership roles, extracurricular activities and charitable efforts. Grants renewals for second, third and fourth terms for $500, $600 and $1,000.
Deadline: April 1.
Visit icf.org

Italian Cultural Center — Several scholarships of between $1,000 and $1,500 awarded to nonprofessional vocal students between the ages of 17 and 27 who are studying with qualified teachers or institutions.
Deadline: Oct. 12.
Presentation: Competition and awards dinner
Contact 708-345-5933 or info@casaitaliachicago.org

Justinian Society of Lawyers Endowment Fund — Multiple scholarships awarded to law school students based on academic ability and need.
Deadline: Mid-October.
Presentation: November.
Visit justinianendowment.org or contact Catherine Locallo at 312-332-7760 or clocallo@robbins-schwartz.com

Justinian Society of Lawyers DuPage Chapter — One scholarship awarded to a student of Italian ancestry in their second or third year of law school.
Deadline: Beginning of May.
Presentation: Recipients must attend the award presentation.
Visit dupagejustinians.com/scholarship

National Italian American Foundation — More than 200 scholarships ranging between $2,500 and $12,000 based on various criteria and awarded to undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, medical and legal students. Applicants must be NIAF members, have Italian ancestry and be either U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens. Academic merit recipients.
Deadline: March 1.
Visit niaf.org/scholarships

The National Italian American Foundation and the National Christopher Columbus Association — Christopher Columbus Essay Contest for high school students of all backgrounds. The first-place winner will receive $1,200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to read his or her essay at the 2024 Columbus Day event in Washington, D.C.
Deadline: March 15.
Visit niaf.org/columbusessay

Christine Frances Rocco Memorial Endowed Scholarship — One scholarship awarded to an Italian-American woman age 28 or older beginning or returning to college to study English, business or education at Benedictine University in Lisle. 
Contact 630-829-1805 or scholarships@ben.edu.

Sons and Daughters of Italy in America — One or more scholarships offered to high school seniors based on academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities.
Deadline: April 30.
Contact Lyn Scolaro at president.sadia@gmail.com or visit sadia-chicago.org

Sons of Italy Foundation, Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin — Several $1,000 scholarships awarded to students of full or partial Italian ancestry graduating from high school. Award is based on financial need, scholastic record, and activities showing character and leadership. This application required an essay and faculty recommendations. 
Deadline: July 1. 
Visit osia.uno

Sons of Italy Foundation, Supreme Lodge — Multiple merit-based scholarships of up to $25,000 awarded to students of at least one-quarter Italian ancestry enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program or graduate program at an accredited four-year institution of higher education.
Deadline: Feb. 29.
Presentation: May.
Visit osia.org/programs/scholarships

UNICO National — Candidates may be either seniors in high school, current undergraduates, graduate students including but not limited to law school or medical school students. 
Deadline: April 15
Presentation: September.
Contact Scholarship Chairman Stan Kuczynski at Stan@hammerretirement.com
Visit https://www.unico.org/scholarships