Nick and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship
Offered by Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
About this scholarship
The Nick and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship is offered through the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans to help Illinois college students of Italian parentage pursue music, education, or another field. Awards may reach $6,500 as a one-time scholarship. Primary consideration goes to music majors beyond the freshman year, while students in education and other majors are also encouraged to apply. The foundation may also prefer applicants who are orphans or who were raised in foster care, but that background is a preference rather than an absolute requirement. Competitive applicants should show a strong academic record, leadership, commitment to the Italian American community, and musical talent when applying as a music student. Applicants must be Illinois residents, be enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education, and have completed at least one year of college. The application requests a transcript, current photograph, an essay of no more than 500 words, and supporting documentation; two recommendation letters are encouraged, and music applicants may include a YouTube performance link. Every component must be combined into one PDF and emailed to jcc@jccia.com from June 1 through November 1, 2026. JCCIA plans to notify recipients by December 1, and awardees must attend its December meeting or reception.
Eligibility
- Be a resident of Illinois
- Be a person of Italian parentage
- Be enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education
- Have completed at least one year of college before the award cycle
- Show a strong academic background and demonstrated leadership
- For music consideration, demonstrate musical talent and provide a performance link when applicable
- Submit an essay of no more than 500 words with a transcript, current photograph, and required supporting documents
- Combine all application materials into one PDF and email it to JCCIA between June 1 and November 1, 2026
- If selected, attend the JCCIA December meeting or reception