Italian-American group offering scholarships

The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is offering four $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school students and current college students this spring.
Senator George Onorato announced the scholarship by urging eligible students to sign up immediately and compete for the scholastic prizes offered by The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators. The conference plans to award two athletic scholarships and two academic scholarships to those who register.
“Once again, the Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is taking steps to help deserving students afford the high costs of obtaining a college education,” said Onorato, a past President and long-time member of the Italian-American Legislators Conference.
The recipients of the scholarships must be current college students or graduating high school seniors who are residents of the state of New York. Eligibility for the scholarships is based upon a grade point average that is 85 or higher, a desire to attend a higher education institution, an interest and involvement in the community and reliance upon financial aid.
Students interested in the athletic scholarships are asked to provide the conference with details and information on their athletic achievements. The deadline for the scholarship is Friday, April 25, 2008 for participants looking to be considered for the academic year beginning this fall.
For those interested in receiving more information on the scholarships are asked to contact Janet Kash, an employee of Onorato, by sending an e-mail to kash@senate.state.ny.us or call 718-545-9706 and ask for extension 7907 in Albany.
Upon receiving a scholarship packet, applicants are asked to include a brief biography listing the honors they have received, volunteer service completed and involvement in extracurricular activities. A brief outline of your education goals, financial need, an essay on a public issue of interest and a transcript indicating your GPA will be asked for as well.
Onorato has served in the State Assembly since 1983, and he represents communities in Western Queens such as Long Island City, Maspeth, Astoria and Woodside. The senator has been interested in improving educational opportunities for children and college students in New York City and throughout the state for much of his career. “I am delighted to participate in this outreach effort, and urge interested students to contact my office as soon as possible for the necessary applications,” he said.
The winners of the scholarship will be announced this coming June.