Youth Scholarships

The Italian-American Society of Peoria awards scholarships to high school seniors or college undergraduates of Italian descent annually to assist in obtaining advanced education in their chosen field of endeavor.

Anthony Montefusco Sr. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is commonly known as the "internal" scholarship, named in memory of one of the Society's founding fathers and first president, Anthony Montefusco Sr. Candidates for this award must be children or grandchildren of Society members deemed in good standing, having been a member for a minimum of five years. The scholarship may be used to defray the cost of tuition, books, or other academic expenses at the recipient's selected college or university. A maximum of $700 is awarded to each recipient. Members may request applications and selection criteria by writing to the Italian-American Society of Peoria Scholarship Committee at P.O. Box 6276, Peoria, Illinois, 61601.

To read about the 2018 recipients of this scholarship, click here.

Robert L. Facker Memorial Scholarship at ICC

This scholarship is offered as a grant through the Educational Foundation at Illinois Central College (ICC) in East Peoria, IL, named in memory of six-time past president and member for over 50 years, Robert L. Facker. It was established to encourage young men or women of Italian descent to further their education at ICC. The scholarship may be used to defray tuition costs, lab fees, books, etc. associated with attending Illinois Central College. Currently, the Society offers one annual scholarship of $900. Applications may be obtained by visiting the ICC Financial Assistance Office, writing them at One College Drive, East Peoria, Illinois, 61635-0001, or visiting their web site.

To read about the 2018 recipient of this scholarship, click here.

John and Anna Venzon Scholarship at Bradley University

This scholarship is offered as a grant through the Office of Financial Assistance at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. It is named in honor of John and Anna Venzon. Both have been a cornerstone of the Society since 1947, consistently working for its betterment. It was established to encourage young men or women of Italian descent residing in the "tri-county area" to further their education at Bradley University. The scholarship may be used to defray tuition costs, lab fees, books, etc. associated with attending Bradley University. Currently, the Society offers one annual scholarship of $1,000. Applications may be obtained by visiting the Bradley University Office of Financial Assistance, writing them at 1501 W. Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61625-0169, or visiting their web site.

To read about the 2018 recipient of this scholarship, click here.

Italian American Society of Peoria Scholarship at Eureka College

This scholarship is offered as a grant through the Financial Aid Office at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois.  This scholarship was created to honor the heritage of Italian-Americans in the tri-county area.  It was established to encourage young men and women of Italian descent throughout Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties to further their education.  The scholarship may be used to defray tuition costs, lab fees, books, etc. associated with attending Eureka College.  Currently, the Society offers one annual scholarship of $1,000.  Applications may be obtained by visiting the Financial Aid Office at Eureka College, writing them at 300 E. College Ave., Eureka, Illinois 61530-1500, or visiting their web site.

To read about the 2018 recipient of this scholarship, click here.

Oversight

With all four scholarships, The Italian-American Society of Peoria is responsible for providing input as to the selection criteria and guidance for the final candidate selection. Students are eligible to receive a maximum of two total scholarships (any combination of the Internal, Illinois Central College, Bradley University, Eureka College scholarships), but not in the same academic year.  Students are ineligible to receive the same scholarship in consecutive years.

The Society has provided almost $90,000 in scholarships since inception of the program, and has helped provide many youth the opportunity to pursue their dreams through continuing education.

For details as to how you can make a tax deductible contribution to the scholarship fund, contact the Scholarship Committee Chairman. It is an excellent way to support the Society and today's youth of Italian descent.