Italian Catholic Federation First Year Scholarship 2026 , USA (Up to $2,500)

Italian Catholic Federation First Year Scholarship 2026 , USA (Up to $2,500)

The Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) First Year Scholarship is a prestigious faith-based scholarship designed to support Roman Catholic high school seniors pursuing higher education. Established in 1964, the Italian Catholic Federation has awarded over $2 million in scholarships to more than 6,000 Catholic students across the United States.

This scholarship recognizes academic excellence, financial need, leadership, service, and family involvement while promoting Catholic values, heritage, and education.

Degree Level

Undergraduate (First-Year / Incoming College Students)

This scholarship is intended for high school seniors entering college for the first time.

Available Subjects

All majors and fields of study are eligible

Students may attend:

• Public universities
• Private colleges
• Catholic institutions
• Accredited U.S. colleges and universities

Benefits

• Multi-year financial support:

1. Year 1: $500
2. Year 2: $600
3. Year 3: $700
4. Year 4: $1,000

• Recognition from a nationally respected Catholic organization
• Supports faith-based education and leadership
• Can be used toward tuition and educational expenses
• One of the largest Catholic scholarship programs in the U.S.

Eligible Nationalities

• Citizenship: U.S. students
• Eligible States:

1. California
2. Nevada
3. Illinois

Eligibility is limited to areas where ICF branches are established, with specific family membership exceptions (see below).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Academic Requirements
• Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA (over 3½ years of high school)
• Class rank considered (if available)
• Religious & Ethnic Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

• Roman Catholic of Italian descent and living within Roman Catholic Dioceses of California, Illinois, or Nevada where ICF branches exist

OR

• Roman Catholic (any ethnicity) if a parent, guardian, or grandparent is an active member of the Italian Catholic Federation

Note: Being a baptized Roman Catholic alone does not qualify without Italian descent or a qualifying family ICF membership.

Additional Criteria

• Demonstrated financial need
• Leadership roles
• Participation in extracurricular activities and charitable efforts
• Family involvement in ICF (if applicable)
• Must be a current high school senior

Application Procedure

Follow these steps carefully to apply for the ICF First Year Scholarship:

• Download the ICF Scholarship Application
• Complete the Application Form
• Write a Letter of Personal Assessment
• Instructions are included in the application
• Obtain Official High School Transcripts
• Grades from Grade 9 through first quarter or first semester of Grade 12
• Submit All Documents Together
• Email to: info@icf.org

OR

• Mail to:

Attn: Scholarship Committee

Italian Catholic Federation

8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110

Oakland, CA 94621

Important: Applications missing any of the three required items (application, transcript, or personal letter) will not be accepted.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scholastic Achievement (GPA & Class Rank)
• Financial Need
• Leadership Experience
• Extracurricular Activities & Community Service
• Family Membership and Participation in ICF (if applicable)

About the Italian Catholic Federation

The Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) is a family-oriented, nonprofit fraternal organization committed to strengthening faith, family, culture, and service. Through scholarships, parish support, and charitable contributions, ICF continues to invest in the education and future leadership of Catholic youth.