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 Marie Palello Scholarship that is awarded to students who are of 50% or more of Italian extraction, demonstrating leadership, community service, and high academic achievement. The scholarship is merit-based for students, taking into consideration the combination of academic achievement along with leadership and community service experiences. 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 experience along with high 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 $2000.00 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, 2025 and the deadline date of September 15, 2025 to be considered by the JCCIA Scholarship Committee.

Award Notification:

Students selected as award recipients will be notified from the JCCIA by October 1, 2025 and will be required to attend the Columbus Day Parade or reception for the scholarship presentation.

Renewal Requirement:

Non-renewable. Students may reapply annually for consideration in the annual selection process.