Joseph U. Bottalla Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans

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 $1500.00 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, 2024 and the deadline date of November 1, 2024 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, 2024 and will be required to attend the JCCIA December meeting/Christmas party.

Renewal Requirement: Students may reapply annually for consideration in the annual selection process.