Nick and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans

Overview

This scholarship is administered by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) from the Nicholas and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship Fund. It supports college students of Italian parentage who are orphans or were raised in foster care, with an emphasis on assistance for study in music or education. Preference may be given to students continuing music study beyond the freshman year, although applicants in other fields are eligible. Awards are merit-based and consider a combination of academic achievement and demonstrated talent.

Description: Scholarship awards assist eligible students of Italian heritage who are orphaned or raised in foster homes, with a preference for music majors and strong academic/talent evidence.

• Administered by JCCIA from the Patti Foundation fund
• Targeted to persons of Italian parentage who are orphaned or from foster care
• Music majors preferred, other fields permitted

Eligibility and Selection

Primary consideration is given to music majors, but applicants pursuing other fields of study are encouraged to apply. Competitive candidates typically demonstrate strong academic records, musical talent when applicable, leadership, and a commitment to serving the Italian-American community. Applicants must be residents of the State of Illinois. Selection is based on academic merit, talent, the quality of the JCCIA application, commitment to education, intended degree area, and any other relevant factors presented in the application.

Eligibility: Applicants should be Illinois residents of Italian parentage who were orphaned or raised in foster care; musical talent and academic achievement strengthen candidacy.

• Illinois residency required
• Orphaned or raised in foster care is a primary eligibility criterion
• Selection considers academics, talent, leadership, and application quality

Award Details

Award amounts are provided as one-time scholarships and may be granted up to $6,500.00 per recipient. The scholarship is non-renewable, but applicants may reapply for consideration in subsequent years through the standard application process. The fund supports study in music or education primarily, while remaining open to other degree areas consistent with the fund's purpose. Disbursement and final award amounts are determined by the selection committee based on available funds and candidate qualifications.

Award Value: One-time awards may total up to $6,500; amounts granted are at the committee's discretion.

• Maximum award: $6,500 (one-time)
• Non-renewable, but reapplication is permitted
• Award decisions reflect available funding and applicant merit

Application Process and Timeline

Applicants must complete the JCCIA scholarship application and submit all required documentation as indicated on the form. The application is available on the JCCIA website and must be submitted electronically as a single, complete PDF file to jcc@jccia.com; incomplete or incorrectly submitted materials may be denied. Applications must be submitted between June 1, 2025 and the stated November deadline to be considered. Award recipients will be notified by December 1, 2025 and are expected to attend the December JCCIA meeting/reception for the award presentation.

Application Timeline: Submit a complete application and documentation between June 1, 2025 and the November deadline; notification occurs by December 1, 2025.

• Apply via the JCCIA application (available on the JCCIA website)
• Submit one complete PDF to jcc@jccia.com
• Notification by December 1, 2025; recipients must attend the December presentation

Renewal and Reapplication

This scholarship is non-renewable, meaning individual awards are not continued automatically across academic years. Students who receive an award may reapply in future cycles but must complete a full application and compete with new applicants. Reapplication follows the same submission requirements and deadlines as initial applications. The selection committee evaluates each application independently each year.

Renewal Requirement: Awards are non-renewable; past recipients may submit a new application for consideration in subsequent years.

• Non-renewable awards
• Past recipients may reapply annually
• Each application is evaluated on its own merits