The Marie Palello Scholarship will be awarded to students who are of 50 percent or more of Italian extraction demonstrating leadership, community service, and high academic achievement. For over sixty years, Marie Pallello served as the Executive Secretary of The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. This scholarship is given to perpetuate her legacy as one of the reasons the JCCIA has flourished. In order to be given priority consideration for the Marie Palello Scholarship, the applicant is required to be of 50 percent or more of Italian extraction and a resident of Illinois, have demonstrated leadership and community service experience, and have high academic achievement. Applicants must be enrolled or admitted into an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants are encouraged to send two letters of recommendation. This scholarship is non-renewable. Students may reapply annually for consideration in the annual selection process. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the JCCIA for more information.