Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans

Overview
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA), through the Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship Fund, offers one-time scholarships to Illinois students of Italian heritage who demonstrate financial need and strong academic achievement. Awards are competitive and intended to help students pursue higher education at accredited colleges or universities.

Who should apply (eligibility)
- Must be of Italian extraction.
- Must be a resident of the State of Illinois.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- Must show high academic achievement.
- Must be admitted to or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education (proof required).

What the Scholarship Committee will evaluate
- Italian heritage.
- Documented financial need.
- Academic record.
- A short personal essay (500 words maximum) explaining how the Frank J. Vigilante Scholarship will help you reach your personal and professional goals.
- The overall completeness and quality of your application.

Award
- The scholarship is a one-time annual award of up to $5,000.

How to apply (important instructions)
1. Download and complete the JCCIA Frank J. Vigilante scholarship application from the JCCIA website.
2. Gather all required supporting documents listed on the application (proof of admission/enrollment, financial-need documentation, transcripts, etc.).
3. Combine the completed application and all supporting documents into one single PDF file.
4. Submit that single PDF by email to jcc@jccia.com. Incomplete submissions or multiple files may result in denial.

Timeline
- Application window: June 1, 2024 – November 1, 2024 (applications must be submitted during this period to be considered).
- Award notifications: Recipients will be notified by December 1, 2024.
- Scholarship presentation: Award recipients will be required to attend the JCCIA December Christmas Party for the formal presentation.

Quick checklist before you submit
- Are you an Illinois resident of Italian extraction?
- Have you documented financial need and enrollment/admission?
- Is your essay 500 words or fewer and clearly explains your goals?
- Have you combined everything into one PDF?
- Did you send that single PDF to jcc@jccia.com between June 1 and November 1, 2024?

If you meet these requirements, take your time to prepare a clear, honest application. Follow the instructions exactly—attention to detail matters. Good luck.