Griffo and Brindisi Announce Scholarship Opportunities

Griffo and Brindisi Announce Scholarship Opportunities

(Utica) – State Senator Joseph A. Griffo and Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi announced that the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is again accepting applications for four $1,500 scholarships to be awarded June 4th  at their Annual Legislative Conference Day  in Albany.

“Given the high costs of college, every opportunity must be made by local students and their working families to meet their required expenses with scholarships as well as with student loans, available financial aid, and personal contributions,” said Senator Griffo.  “I highly recommend that our area’s students apply to the Conference for these prestigious scholarships so that they may hopefully secure as much extra help with their expenses as possible.”

This year, the Italian-American State Legislators Conference will be awarding four $1,500 scholarships to four current or future college students from New York State.  Eligibility will be based upon the student’s grade point average, interest in pursuing a higher education, involvement in the local community as well as individual financial need.

The Conference is a bipartisan organization of New York State Assembly and Senate members who are actively involved in promoting and celebrating the state’s Italian-American community.  Senator Griffo is the current President of the conference, while   Assemblyman Brindisi  is its newest member.

The Conference mission is to work hard to elevate and highlight Italian-American contributions to the State of New York and beyond, in all aspects of society, including literature, the arts, architecture and politics.  The conference also tries to dispel negative stereotypes of Italian-Americans.

“Our conference is very proud of our role in promoting higher education and assisting students in reaching their academic goals and full potential for future success in the global marketplace,” Assemblymember Brindisi said.  “This year’s recipients will be invited to Albany to receive their scholarship awards in June.”

Area students may request an application by contacting Senator Griffo’s office at 315-793-9072 or griffo@nysenate.gov.  Scholarship applications are due  back by  May 4, 2012. Scholarship winners must be present to receive their awards.

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