Italian American Service Organization UNICO Foundation Offers Scholarship Opportunities to Deserving Nursing Students

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Sep 12, 2012, 08:35 ET

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The UNICO Foundation, which is affiliated with UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in America, has announced the establishment of several new annual scholarships specifically for nursing students. At the UNICO National Convention held last month, UNICO Foundation President, John DiNapoli publicly announced, "Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Ralph Torraco who provided a special endowment to the UNICO Foundation, we will now be granting several annual scholarships to deserving nursing students. These new scholarships are named 'The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships,' in honor of Mr. Torraco's late parents."

Each year The UNICO Foundation, through the auspices of the UNICO National Scholarship committee, grants a number of undergraduate and graduate scholarships to students across the US. Scholarships have been a fundamental pillar of the community service work of UNICO National since its founding in 1922. Today, UNICO continues this legacy with its active annual scholarship programs.

"We are so pleased to be able to expand our financial assistance to nursing students with these new scholarships," stated Joan Tidona, UNICO National Scholarship Director. "We urge any nursing students that meet the selection criteria to submit an application for consideration by the judging committee."

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing degree program in the US, with a minimum grade-point-average of 3.0 or 80%. This program is open to nursing students of all ethnicities but candidates must be US citizens. Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating financial need. A current FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) is required. Scholarships valued at $2,500 will be awarded. Previous candidates, including recipients, are eligible to reapply.

Candidates must acquire applications from and submit them through a local UNICO chapter in good standing. To locate the nearest chapter, access unico.org and click on Find a Chapter. The final date for submission is April 15.

"Nurses are such a crucial and integral part of the healthcare profession," stated Ralph Torraco. "I wanted to find some way to help these dedicated people as they pursue a nursing career. I am so pleased that these new scholarships, named in honor of my parents, will help many, many people in their nursing careers for years to come."

Newly installed UNICO National President, David M. Donnini of Los Angeles, CA commended Mr. Torraco for his dedication to UNICO and for expanding the scholarship efforts of The UNICO Foundation with his endowment. "On behalf of all UNICO members across the country I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Torraco for his generosity."

UNICO National's 140 local Chapters across the US hold numerous fundraising events supporting scholarships, cancer and Cooley's anemia research and mental health programs.

UNICO National, founded in 1922, is America's largest Italian American service organization. Its volunteer members support charitable, educational, and community service projects while promoting Italian heritage and combating negative stereotyping. For information on UNICO visit unico.org.