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STEUBENVILLE -- The Italian American Cultural Club of Steubenville is inviting eligible college students to apply for an opportunity to participate in the National Italian American Foundation’s Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery, an all-expenses-paid educational and cultural experience in Italy.
As an affiliate organization of the foundation, the IACC will conduct a local application and selection process to designate one student for the summer 2027 Voyage of Discovery. The program provides young Italian Americans with an opportunity to experience Italy firsthand while exploring their heritage, strengthening their connection to Italian culture,and considering how they can carry that heritage forward for future generations.
“This is exactly the type of opportunity our club wants to bring to young Italian Americans in our community,” said Frankie DiCarlantonio, president of the cultural club. “Our mission is not only to celebrate the traditions that have been passed down to us, but also to make sure younger generations have meaningful opportunities to discover where those traditions came from and develop their own connection to their Italian heritage. We are incredibly excited to help one young person take that journey.”
Applicants must either reside within 30 miles of Steubenville or have had an affiliation with the Italian American Cultural Club of Steubenville as of Oct.1, such as participation in Campo Italiano or other IACC programming.
Applicants must have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and must satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements established by NIAF.
Previous travel to Italy does not make a student ineligible to apply. Consistent with the program criteria, preference is given to students who have not previously traveled to Italy.
IACC membership is not required to apply.
Applications will be evaluated using a 100-point selection process. Academic achievement accounts for up to 20 points, previous Campo Italiano participation for up to 15 points, qualifying immediate-family IACC membership for 5 points, and a required personal essay for up to 60 points.
The 500-750-word essay asks students to reflect on what being Italian American means to them; how their heritage, family, community, traditions and personal experiences have shaped their connection to Italian culture; and how participating in the Voyage of Discovery could deepen that connection and influence how they carry their heritage forward.
The IACC Selection Committee will independently evaluate the essays, with the highest-scoring eligible applicant selected as the club’s affiliate designee.
Applications are open now and must be submitted by Nov.15. The selected student is expected to be privately notified on Dec. 1.
Selection by the IACC represents the club’s designation of a student for the program. Final eligibility, application completion, acceptance and participation remain subject to NIAF requirements and approval.
Students and families can learn more about the local opportunity and access the online application at: iaccsteubenville.org/voyage
Additional information about NIAF’s Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery is available through the National Italian American Foundation.
The Italian American Cultural Club of Steubenville is dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating Italian and Italian American heritage, culture and traditions while creating opportunities to share that heritage with future generations. Through cultural programming, educational initiatives, community activities and programs such as Campo Italiano, the IACC works to strengthen the connection between the Ohio Valley’s Italian American community and its heritage.