I would like to invite all high school seniors and current college students to apply for the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators annual academic and athletic scholarships.

The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of New York State Assembly and Senate members that seeks to celebrate and promote New York's rich Italian-American culture. On June 6, the conference will award four scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each during its annual Legislative Conference Day. Applications must be returned to my office by Friday, April 8, to be considered.

As a first-generation Italian-American, I was the first member of my family to receive an education here in the United States. As a graduate of SUNY Albany, I know the importance of having access to a college education. This scholarship program is one small way of improving access by offering families a great opportunity to receive some help with college-related expenses.

Applicants must live in New York State and either be enrolled in college or a high school senior with plans to attend college. They should also have a GPA of at least 85, be dedicated to pursuing a higher education degree, be actively involved in the community and extracurricular activities, and show financial need.

Applications may be obtained by clicking here and here.