Finger Lakes Today

Senator Pam Helming has announced the availability of four $3,000 scholarships through the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators. The scholarships are divided into two categories: academic and athletic.

To qualify, applicants must be residents of New York and either current college students or high school seniors planning to attend college. They must also reside within a district represented by a conference member. Senator Helming’s district includes Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne counties, as well as the towns of Chili, Mendon, Riga, and Rush in Monroe County.

“With the cost of college soaring, I am proud to be part of a group of legislators that offer scholarships to college-bound students," said Senator Helming. "The application process is easy, and decisions are made quickly. I encourage all those pursuing a higher education in my Senate District to apply!”

Applicants need a grade point average of 85 or higher and should demonstrate involvement in community service and extracurricular activities along with financial need. Those applying for an athletic scholarship must also participate in organized sports. Applicants do not need to be of Italian American heritage.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in April with an awards ceremony scheduled for May 19, 2025, in Albany.

Students can access the application at https://www.nyiacsl.org/apply-for-scholarship-form until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 30.

The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is described as a bipartisan non-profit organization comprising state Assembly and Senate members who support the state's Italian American community.