Dante Scholarship
The Dante Scholarship Program
The Italian Women’s Civic Club is an organization that conducts philanthropic activities in the Greater Rochester Area. The IWCC administers the Dante Scholarship Program, a series of three endowed scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study at the University of Rochester, Nazareth University, and St. John Fisher University. The scholarships are available to both men and women.
The IWCC was established in 1919 to educate immigrant women on their newly acquired right to vote and assist them in assimilating into American life. The mission of the Club has evolved over the years and today focuses on supporting higher education opportunities for young adults of Italian ancestry.
The Dante Awards Dinner
The IWCC holds their Annual Dante Awards Dinner in the Fall. This event is when the Club honors and presents the scholarships to the award recipients. Members, guests, recipients and their family and friends are invited for this presentation and to enjoy an evening of fine dining and entertainment.
Eligibility Criteria
Dante Scholarships are awarded to men and women every year to recognize academic achievement and promote pride in our Italian-American heritage. Applicants must be full-time matriculated undergraduate or graduate students at one of three institutions: The University of Rochester, Nazareth University, or St. John Fisher University. In addition, they must meet the following requirements to be considered for an award and receive payment:
Have academic standing as a sophomore or junior in an undergraduate degree program; or a senior accepted into a graduate degree program; or a full-time graduate student (12 hours or more) enrolled in a master’s level or doctoral program.
Demonstrate and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
Be a legal resident or native of the Greater Rochester Area, including Monroe, Orleans, Livingston, Wayne, Ontario and Genesee counties.
Have some Italian heritage.
Be available and willing to attend the Dante Scholarship Dinner in the Fall and participate in one IWCC event that celebrates Italian American culture
On-Line Application
Applications will be accepted on-line only. Follow the instructions below:
- Click on the link below for the application form.
- Follow the instructions to submit your completed application.
- Ask your Registrar Office to email an official transcript, (student copies will not be accepted) from your current or any other school you previously attended, to the IWCC Scholarship Committee c/o Patty Bellittera at iwccroc.dante@gmail.com
- Do not send any other materials to supplement the application. They will not be considered in the review process.
- The completed application, including the transcript, must be submitted between December 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
- Candidates will be notified of the results by mail in May 2024.
Selection Process and Scholarship Requirements
The Dante Scholarship recipients are selected from all the eligible candidates by members of the Dante Scholarship Committee, a standing committee of the IWCC Board of Directors. Awards are based on criteria set by the committee and include academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, community service and personal identification with Italian American heritage. The scholarships will be valid for the following academic year. The scholarship may only be used for tuition or graduate studies funded through the college.
Click on this link to download the 2024 Scholarship Application.
Dante Scholarship Recipients
Dante Scholarship Recipients
2023
Photo credit ©Ria Tafani Photography
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The IWCC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on the financial support from private individuals, businesses, and proceeds from various community events held throughout the year.
Email: IWCC.RochesterNY@gmail.com