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National Organization of Italian American Women

Programma di borse di studio!

Empowering Italian-American Women Through Education

Unlock the doors to higher education with NOIAW’s Scholarship Program. Each year, we proudly award 4-6 scholarships to deserving Italian American Women, enabling them to chase their dreams of higher education. Join us in our mission empower and support the future leaders of our community. Don’t miss the chance to apply and turn your academic aspirations into reality!

Scholarship Program

Empowering Italian American Women Through Education. Apply Now for NOIAW’s 2025 Scholarship Program! Each year, NOIAW awards four to six scholarships, providing the opportunity for Italian American women to pursue their higher education dreams.

Eligibility

The NOIAW scholarship program is open to female identifying undergraduate or graduate students, currently enrolled at an accredited US academic institution.

Undergraduate students must be enrolled at a four-year college or university.

High school students are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
  • Applicants must have at least one parent of Italian descent or be majoring in Italian language or Italian American/Diaspora Studies.
  • Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • Undergraduates must have completed a minimum of 60 credits and graduate students a minimum of 12 credits.
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting a copy of relevant documents (i.e., FAFSA, tuition statement).

Application Process

Before filling out our online application form, please review the eligibility
requirements and make sure to submit all required materials.

ALL required materials must be sent in pdf format, including recommendation letters and transcripts.
Recommendation letters must contain a signature.

Required materials:

  • A two-page essay* (double-spaced) that addresses the question: How has being an Italian American impacted you, personally and professionally?
  • College transcript/s
  • Student Aid Report (FAFSA or a letter from the college)
  • Curriculum Vitae or resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional)
  • A $25 non-refundable processing fee

*Personal statements provided to NOIAW will not be returned and will become the property of NOIAW.

NOIAW takes no responsibility for incomplete or late applications.

Details

NOIAW requests that all application materials be sent digitally using the upload link provided; hard copy will not be accepted.

Preferential consideration will be given to eligible applicants who have demonstrated excellence in the fields of study of Italian language or Italian American/Diaspora studies as well as to current students of The City University of New York (CUNY).

The Scholarship Application deadline is Monday, March 31, 2025.

All applicants are encouraged to be present at NOIAW’s Annual Luncheon in New York City where the scholarship awards will be presented.

The date for the Annual Luncheon Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Deadlines

The scholarship application deadline is Monday, March 31, 2025.

All applicants will be notified by Friday, April 11 2025.

Winners should try to be present at NOIAW’s Annual Luncheon in New York where the scholarship awards will be presented (whether in person or virtually).

Apply

Please complete the application here.

2024 Awardees

Testimonials

amelio a smiling young woman with long brown hair wearing a dark top

From a young age, I was exposed to Italian culture, which meant cooking with love (and lots of olive oil), finding community by singing plentiful songs both in Italian and English, and being proud of my big family. Learning Italian, however, was most special because not only was I taking steps to further understand my culture, but I was also increasing my ability to speak with my extended family members. This was especially true for strengthening my relationship with my grandmother.

— Pam Amelio

Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University

MD| Medical Doctor

Donated by Rebecca Monck Ricigliano, Esq. in Honor of her mother, Margherita Ruscitti Monck and her grandmother, Maria Donata Ruscitti

Tullia Santo is a dark long brown haired young woman, wearing a colored checkered shirt

In my professional life being Italian has made me a passionate and hard worker. I see my family in the restaurant and their passion, and it makes me so immensely proud. I take so much pride in my culture and even in my own schoolwork and projects. […] Therefore, if you asked me how being Italian has affected my life, I would respond to you, “How has it not?”

— Tullia Santo

Fashion Institute of Technology

BFA | Toy Design & AAS | Illustration

Donated by The National Organization of Italian American Women

Gioanna DiGiorgio is a dark long black haired young woman in a blue dress

Staying close to my roots not only allows me to feel closer to my relatives in Italy, it also helps me to understand how my roots have shaped my family and the many traditions from Molfetta we still follow today […] All of these traditions are ingrained and infused in my blood

— Gioianna DiGiorgio

Baldwin Wallace University

BFA | Acting

Donated by Gina Argento / Broadway Stages

Katy Early - a smiling young women with blond hair wearing an orange top

My Italian heritage has enriched my life from early childhood to the present, and has largely informed my work in theater and opera. Having studied abroad and performed in operas in Italy during summers prior to entering graduate school, I became immersed in Italy’s artistically rich musical and theater traditions, which are themselves shaped by Italian cultural traditions. I hope to integrate these unique practices into my directing of plays and operas for years to come as I begin my professional artistic career.

— Katy Early

CUNY Brooklyn College

MFA | Theater – Directing

Donated by Patricia Martone, Esq. in Honor of David A. & Rita D. Martone