Scholarship Program

Empowering Italian American Women Through Education. Each year, NOIAW awards four to six scholarships, providing the opportunity for Italian American women to pursue their higher education dreams. The 2026 edition is over now, but by the end of the year a new application will start.

Eligibility

The NOIAW scholarship program is open to female 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, payable via check, online (please add a note indicating “2026 Scholarship application fee”) or via Zelle (noiaw@noiaw.org)

*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 Thursday, April 2, 2026.

All applicants are encouraged to be present at NOIAW’s scholarship awards presentation, which will be held in late Spring on a date to be announced.