New York Conference of Italian-American Legislators President Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) is encouraging area students to submit applications to the organization’s annual scholarship program. The group distributes two, $4,000 academic scholarships and two, $4,000 athletic scholarships.

Matriculated college students and graduating high school seniors in Ra’s district are eligible to apply.

“These scholarships can be a game-changer for students and families who are making sacrifices and working hard to finance a higher education. I hope we see more applications than ever,” said Ra.

Ra said that his constituents can apply online at https://www.nyiacsl.org/scholarships.

Recently, Ra was elected by his colleagues to serve as president of the conference.

“This organization builds collegiality and bipartisanship. We celebrate our shared heritage. The most important thing we do is give back to our communities. Our scholarship program is the cornerstone. Education empowered all of us. We’re working together to pay that forward,” said Ra.

Ra encouraged constituents with any questions about the program to call his office at (516) 535-4095.