CCF awards scholarships to exceptional students of Italian heritage who exhibit both success in their studies and involvement in their communities. We recognize that graduating from school is an achievement that has a profound impact on a student’s life and the lives of their families, and are proud to have disbursed over $40 million in aid since the program’s inception in 1984. Through the CCF Scholarship Program, we ensure that Italian American students of great promise have the support they need to attend, and graduate from, the schools of their dreams. Here are their stories.
Gabriella Picarello
Receiving a Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship gave me the opportunity to attend the Mary Louis Academy, a private catholic high school in Queens. So far, my journey at TMLA has been nothing short of amazing! In my freshmen year I found many ways to get involved at my new school. I joined both the track and cross-country teams, and won three medals. I also got involved in many other activities and clubs, including the cooking club, the book club, the baking club, Students for Animals, Stage Crew and of course, the Italian Club. At the end of the year, I won a Scholar Athlete Award for maintaining a 4.0 average during freshman year while running track and cross-country.
Meet Christie Proscia Mazzilli
Christie’s CCF High School Scholarship has motivated her throughout the years, even more so now as she considers her future and pursuit of a career in the medical field.
Meet Brady Calabrano-Bowen
The best part is waking up every day and being able to walk to the Colosseum after school and listening to everyone around you speak Italian. The most memorable experience has been the amazing Italian food. It is undeniably the best food in the world.
Meet Joceyln Orlando
With the support of CCF, Jocelyn was able to spend three months in the “Eternal City” of Rome. “Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, particularly in Italy, and I am extremely grateful to have been able to go there…”
Meet Gianpiero Arnone
Even before the pandemic, Gianpiero spent his time volunteering his time to mix both of his passions: basketball and helping people.
Meet John Schiano
While being extremely school oriented, John’s favorite thing is to give back and raise money to help others.
Meet Gabriella Scala
Staten Island native and CCF YAA member, Gabriella Scala, graduated from the University of Connecticut with her bachelor’s degree and is currently working on her doctorate.
Meet Richard Jackowitz
By age 5, Richard knew he wanted to one day pursue a career in the medical field. As time went on, he developed a passion for animals and his dream of becoming a veterinarian came into fruition.
Meet Jenna Guardino
Throughout high school, Jenna Guardino knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. In order to chase these dreams, she volunteered at her local hospital shadowing people working in occupational therapy and physical therapy. She quickly realized that those two paths, although amazing, were not for her. It wasn’t until later she realized she wanted to become a nurse.
Meet Bethany Bonfiglio
From a very young age, Bethany has always loved creating things. In middle school, she spent a lot of time drawing with regular graphite pencils on her homework. As time progressed, she developed an interest in painting and was enthralled by the stories art could tell. She enrolled in The High School of Art and Design and learned more about painting.
Meet Danielle Nicoletti
Danielle Nicoletti, graduated in 2022 with a double major in both Nursing and Public Health. As an anatomy and physiology tutor, member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, and writer for TCNJ Quality & Safety Education for Nurses Newsletter, Danielle was deeply involved in school. She has worked as a patient care technician for the last two years, volunteered with Rachel’s House, an organization that provides support to single pregnant women, and interned with Once Upon a Preemie, while maintaining incredible grades.
Meet Colette Chiodi
Colette Chiodi is a former high school and college scholarship recipient. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY and attended Bishop Kearney High School. She graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Political Science and a Journalism and Mass Communication minor. Upon graduation, Colette began her career in media planning and strategy for an advertising agency in Manhattan. She has worked across several agencies expanding into marketing operations, focusing on consumer healthcare with clients such as Pfizer.
Meet Romina Tarnovsky
Romina is interested in pursuing a career as an animator, music producer, lawyer, or psychologist… and hopes one day to be able to repair intricate computers and machines.
Meet Samantha Fordell
Samantha Fordell is a Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology major and Freshman at St. John’s University…intrigued by a career in audiology and eager to strengthen her dreams.
Meet Romina Tarnovsky
Romina is interested in pursuing a career as an animator, music producer, lawyer, or psychologist… and hopes one day to be able to repair intricate computers and machines.
