Nick and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Overview
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) administers the Nicholas and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship Fund. The scholarship supports college students of Italian parentage who are orphans or were raised in foster homes, with preference given to those pursuing music beyond the freshman year. Awards may also support other fields of study based on merit, combining academic achievement and demonstrated talent. The program emphasizes both educational potential and commitment to personal and community goals.
Description: Scholarships are merit-based and intended to assist students with Italian heritage who have experienced orphanhood or foster care; preference is given to advanced music students but other majors are eligible.
- Administered by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA).
- Targeted to students of Italian parentage who are orphans or raised in foster care.
- Preference for music students beyond freshman level; other majors considered.
- Selection balances academic performance and artistic talent.
Eligibility
Primary consideration is given to music majors, but applicants in other fields are encouraged to apply. Competitive candidates typically demonstrate a strong academic record, musical talent when applicable, leadership, and a commitment to serving the Italian-American community. Applicants should be residents of the State of Illinois. Final selection considers academic merit, talent, the quality of the JCCIA application, commitment to education, intended degree area, and other relevant factors.
Eligibility: Applicants must be of Italian parentage, have been orphaned or raised in foster care, reside in Illinois, and meet the program's merit-based criteria; musical ability is a plus for music applicants.
- Applicants of Italian parentage only.
- Orphaned students or those raised in foster homes are prioritized.
- Illinois residency required.
- Selection based on academic merit, talent, and application quality.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the official JCCIA scholarship application and include any required supporting documentation. The application is available on the JCCIA website and must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file. Submit the combined PDF to jcc@jccia.com; incomplete submissions or multiple files may result in denial. Follow the instructions on the application form closely to ensure all required materials are included.
Application: Complete the JCCIA scholarship form, attach all required documents into one PDF, and submit electronically to jcc@jccia.com by the stated deadline.
- Use the official JCCIA scholarship application form.
- Combine all materials into one single PDF file.
- Submit electronically to jcc@jccia.com.
- Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications risk disqualification.
Timeline & Award Notification
Applications must be submitted between June 1, 2026, and the deadline in November 2026 to be considered. Recipients will be notified by December 1, 2026. Awardees are expected to attend the December JCCIA meeting/reception for the scholarship presentation. Applicants should monitor the JCCIA website or contact the committee for any updates to dates or requirements.
Application Timeline: Submission window opens June 1, 2026 and closes on the November deadline; notification of awards occurs by December 1, 2026.
Award Notification: Selected students will be notified by the JCCIA and must attend the December meeting/reception to receive the scholarship.
- Submission window: June 1, 2026 until the November deadline.
- Award notifications issued by December 1, 2026.
- Recipients expected to attend the December presentation event.
- Check the JCCIA website or contact the committee for updates.