CCF High School/College/University Scholarships
Applications Open November 26, 2025 for the academic year 2026-27.
Our scholarship programs grew out of a desire to improve the lives of Italian Americans. Between 1880 and 1920, over four million Italians immigrated to the United States.
Join our mailing list for updates or email scholarships@columbuscitizens.org for more information.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be entering their first year of high school or an accredited college/university or medical school.
- Applicant must be of at least 25% Italian heritage.
- Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or 88%.
General Requirements For All Applicants
- All applications must be submitted via the Scholar’s APP (Please see link to your individual scholarship is below).
- Scholarships are awarded for a four-year period provided that awardees continue to be eligible to receive funding.
- Students who are awarded a scholarship MUST sign the CCF General Terms & Conditions document.
- Funds are sent directly to the school of choice.
- Recipients are expected to remain in contact with donors and/or the Columbus Citizens Foundation, which may include opportunities for mentorship, internships, and participation in the Columbus Citizens Foundation Young Adult Auxiliary.
Application Process For High School Scholarships
- The applicant’s parents 2023 and 2024 Federal Tax Return documents.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation specific to the CCF Scholarship. At least two letters must be from the current teachers. One letter may be from community members, counselors, or another person who can speak to the applicant’s current academic merits and/or extracurricular and community service activities.
- The applicant’s most recent semester report card or transcript.
- Two essays. All aspects of the written essays will be considered, including supporting details and mechanics.
- ALL requested documentation must be uploaded to the:
Scholar’s APP: H.S. Application
- All additional information requested by CCF, including the designated receiving school, must be submitted promptly to ensure the scholarship offer remains valid.
Application Process For College/University Scholarships
- The applicant’s FAFSA Submission Summary must be provided in addition to 2023 and 2024 Federal Tax Return documents for self and parents.
- SAT scores and/or AP scores, where available.
- Three letters (3) of recommendation specific to the CCF Scholarship Application from professional and/or academic contacts. At least two must be from current teachers, professors, community leaders, mentors, or counselors. One may be from another person who can speak to the applicant’s current academic merits and/or extracurricular and community service activities.
- The applicant’s most recent, or current, semester report card or transcript.
- Two essays. All aspects of the written essays will be considered, including supporting details and mechanics.
- ALL requested documentation must be uploaded to the:
Scholar’s APP: College Application
- All additional information requested by CCF, including the designated receiving school, must be submitted promptly to ensure the scholarship offer remains valid.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Only applications received November 26, 2025, through February 16, 2026, will be considered.
- Students moving forward in the selection process will be notified for an interview via email by March 31, 2026.
- Interviews will be conducted in person or online during the month of April 2026.
- Upon receiving a scholarship award, the applicant is required to submit all additional documentation to complete the acceptance process within the time established by the CCF.
- Final selection will be made by May 15, 2026.
- Award Ceremony will take place on May 27, 2026, at the CCF. All recipients are expected to attend. (Subject to change)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Any technical issues with the application, contact: hello@scholarsapp.com
- Incomplete applications WILL NOT be considered.
- Final decision will be communicated via email by the end of May 2026.
- Final decision on all awards rests exclusively with the Columbus Citizens Foundation.
- Questions will be answered only via email (rmiraglia@columbuscitizens.org)
If you have any questions or would like to be added to our scholarship interest email list please email scholarships@columbuscitizens.org
