Assemblyman Ed Ra (R,C,I-Franklin Square) and the members of the Conference of Italian-American State Legislators are announcing the kick-off for their for their annual scholarship program.

Four scholarships will be awarded, each totaling $3,500. Two will be awarded based on academic achievement and two will be athletic scholarships.

“This is a great program,” said Ra. “This is about making higher education more accessible for students and their families. Our bipartisan conference celebrates the values that typify our shared heritage- hard work, sacrifice and service. Past scholarship winners have been a credit to their families, to their communities and to this organization. I’m sure this year’s winners will be, too,” said Ra.

The deadline to apply is the close of business on Friday, March 29.  Students can secure an application by calling Ra’s district office at 516-535-4095.

“I want to encourage dedicated students and talented scholar-athletes in our district to apply,” said Ra.

Scholarship winners will be announced on June 3 at Italian-American Day in the capitol.

Ra was elected by his peers to serve as Vice Chairman of the New York Conference of Italian American Legislators.