03/29/2026
Description of Scholarship:
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is proud to offer the John Fischetti Scholarship, awarded to
students who are of 50% or more of Italian ancestry and have been accepted into or enrolled in an undergraduate
degree program majoring in journalism or media communications.
History:
John Fischetti was a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist whose work for many years graced the pages of the New
York Herald Tribune, the Chicago Daily News and the Chicago Sun Times. He was also a man whose enthusiasm for life
and generosity of spirit won him many friends.
Requirements:
Competitive applicants must be of 50% or more of Italian ancestry, pursuing a degree in journalism or communications,
have demonstrated academic achievement, and a resident of Illinois. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their
Italian heritage, academic achievement, involvement in school and non-school activities, and the quality of their JCCIA
John Fischetti Scholarship application. Applicants must submit proof of being admitted to and/or enrolled at an
accredited institution of higher education.
Award Amount:
This scholarship award amount may be up to $2000.00 for a one-time annual scholarship.
Application Process:
Applicants are required to submit a JCCIA John Fischetti scholarship application and required documents as indicated on
the application form. Required documents include a 500-word essay, self-photo, copy of the applicant’s transcripts (high
school and or college), proof of college acceptance/admittance or current college transcript, two recommendation
letters, and any published writings print or digital. All items must be submitted by the deadline application date as one
digital pdf file to [email protected] otherwise the application may be denied.
Deadline for Application:
Students must submit a complete JCCIA John Fischetti scholarship application and required documentation between
March 1, 2026, and the deadline date of April 24, 2026, to be considered.
Award Notification:
Award recipients will be notified by May 1, 2026 and will be presented with the award at the JCCIA Dante and DiFrisco
Award Luncheon on May 7, 2026 which honors members of Chicago’s news media who best exemplifies Dante’s ideal of
“being no timid friend to truth.” This event is attended by many of Chicago’s well-known print, radio, and television
journalists. The scholarship recipient must attend the luncheon to receive the award personally.
Renewal:
Non-renewable. Students may reapply annually for consideration in the annual selection process.
Applicant is required to have at least 50% or more Italian ancestry and a resident of Illinois.
3800 Division Street, Stone Park, IL 60165 Phone: (708) 450-9050 Fax: (708) 450-9065 www.jccia.com [email protected]
John Fischetti Scholarship Application 2026
1. 2. 3. 4. To apply for the scholarship, the application and the following items must be submitted:
5. 6. 7. 8. Applicant must be enrolled or admitted into an accredited institution of higher education and submit a copy of
his/her acceptance letter or proof of enrollment, and a resident of Illinois.
Applicant must provide high school and/or college transcripts.
Applicant must have a strong academic background (based on transcripts, awards, etc.).
Applicant must submit an essay (500 words or less) on any of the following topics:
• What does being an Italian American mean to you?
• How do you feel about the way Italian Americans are portrayed in movies and television?
• What contributions have Italians (ancient or modern) made to the world?
• What contributions have Italian Americans made to the United States?
Applicant must include a current photo of themselves.
Applicant is encouraged to send two letters of recommendation.
Applicant may include any published works (optional).
All application materials must be submitted electronically as one single pdf file to [email protected] between
March 1, 2026 and the deadline date of April 24, 2026.
NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP: _________________________________________________________________________________________
PREFERRED EMAIL: ________________________________________________PHONE #: _____________________________
BIRTHPLACE: _________________________________ BIRTH DATE: ___________________
GENDER: _________________
FATHER’S NAME:_______________________________________OCCUPATION:____________________________________
MOTHER’S NAME & MAIDEN NAME:_______________________________OCCUPATION:__________________________
PLEASE EXPLAIN YOUR ITALIAN ANCESTRY: _______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HIGH SCHOOL: ______________________________________HIGH SCHOOL G.P.A.: ______________________________
3800 Division Street, Stone Park, IL 60165 Phone: (708) 450-9050 Fax: (708) 450-9065 www.jccia.com [email protected]
ANTICIPATED HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION – MONTH/YEAR: _______________________________________________
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL: _________________________________MAJOR:_____________________________________
ANTICIPATED GRADUATION YEAR: _____________________UNDERGRADUATE G.P.A.: _________________________
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS (Indicate if high school or college): ____________________________________________
LIST YOUR SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS/ETC:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LIST YOUR NON-SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS/ETC:
_____________________________________
EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RECEIVING THE JOHN FISCHETTI SCHOLARSHIP:___________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: PLEASE ATTACH TO THIS FORM:
❑ CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT (WHICHEVER IS APPLICABLE)
❑ COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTER (IF APPLICABLE) OR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS
❑ TWO RECOMMENDATION LETTERS (IF APPLICABLE)
❑ A CURRENT PHOTO OF YOURSELF
❑ YOUR 500 WORD ESSAY
❑ PUBLISHED WRITINGS (OPTIONAL)
Verification and Release � I attest that the information I have provided is complete and accurate and I agree that the Joint
Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) may verify this information. I agree that the JCCIA may disclose information
contained in this application. If the JCCIA awards a scholarship to me, I hereby authorize the organization, on a royalty-free
basis, to include my likeness and story as part of its publicity.
Signature____________________________________________Date:____________________________
