The Nick and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to persons of Italian parentage for assistance in music or education for college students who are orphans or who were raised in foster homes. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education and have completed at least one year of college coursework. Preference for scholarship awards may be given to students studying music in college beyond the freshman level. However, scholarships can be awarded for other fields of study. Preference for scholarship awards may also be given to those individuals who have been orphaned and wish to pursue their personal and professional goals of attending college. The scholarship is merit-based for students, taking into consideration the combination of academic achievement and talent. Primary consideration is given to music majors, but other applicants are considered and encouraged to apply. Competitive students should have a strong academic background, musical talent (if applied towards music major), demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to serving their Italian-American community, and a resident of the State of Illinois. Applicants are encouraged to submit two letters of recommendation from their foster or adoptive parents, social workers, home advisors, guidance counselors, etc. The scholarship is non-renewable. Students may reapply annually for consideration in the annual selection process. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact JCCIA for more information.