Eligibility Requirements

It is the goal of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America to promote, enhance and encourage the studies of Italian heritage and culture. This scholarship program is designed to benefit worthy students of Italian descent that display academic excellence, leadership qualities and a financial need.

Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of eligibility, scholastic achievement, financial need and participation in school and community programs.

• Association with the Order Sons of Italy in America is not a prerequisite, however the applicant must be of Italian descent and a State of Florida resident.
• Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (unweighted)
• Applicants must have a minimum SAT total score of 1100 -or- must have an ACT Composite score of 23.
• Recipients must be accepted as a full-time student at an accredited junior college, college or university and must enroll immediately following graduation from a State of Florida high school.

The Florida Foundation and Niceville High School Scholarships

Information and the application packet for either scholarship are available. Here is the application for the Florida Foundation Scholarship.

Please note: Eligibility for Niceville High School Scholarship is restricted to Niceville High School Seniors.

• Funds for the recipients will be mailed directly to the school Bursar or Financial Aid Office of choice with the instruction that they may be used for any expenses processed through their office for the recipient.
• Scholarship recipients that are accepted and decide to attend another school, other than the one originally selected, must immediately notify the Grand Lodge Scholarship Chairperson so the funds may be transferred to the appropriate institution.
• Unused funds in the account must be returned to the Grand Lodge of Florida, Order Sons of Italy in America, Florida Foundation upon either of the following:
  • The recipient ceases to attend classes for whatever reason and does not immediately transfer to another accredited institution.
  • The recipient withdraws from school and does not immediately transfer to another school.

All funds returned to the Order Sons of Italy, Florida Foundation will be incorporated with the funds for the following year’s awards.

Other Scholarships

National Leadership Grant Competition

Through the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF), and hundreds of thousands of family members located in all fifty states and the District of Columbia, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA) has awarded nearly $61 million in scholarships to date. In past years, the SIF has offered 10 to 12 merit-based scholarships (National Leadership Grants), ranging from $4,000 to $25,000, in a nationwide competition.  These figures and the number of scholarships may vary according to funding each year.

Giovanna Zuppa Memorial Scholarship Fund

This is a non-renewable scholarship for freshmen, current and transfer students.

This scholarship was developed in 1988 and implemented in 1992 by Bill Zuppa on behalf of the entire Zuppa family. The scholarship honors Giovanna Zuppa, a past OSIA member, who was born in 1900 in a small town in southern Italy. This need-based scholarship is intended to encourage American students involved in Italian culture to further their education at USF. Strong consideration will be given to American students of Italian heritage or students involved in Italian culture.

Special Requirements:

Submit the USF Foundation Scholarship Application and a brief statement describing your involvement in Italian culture.

Send inquiry to:

University of South Florida
Office of Financial Aid
Student Services Building – SVC 1102
4202 E. Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33620