NIAF has announced that it will support the Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Culture Program in Italian for high school students across the nation with a $500,000 matching grant.

In making this pledge, NIAF joins a coalition organized by The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations to launch a nationwide fund-raising campaign for this important language program.

”The study of the Italian language and its culture is at the core of NIAF’s mission to preserve and expand our rich heritage,” NIAF Secretary John F. Calvelli, said. “NIAF’s Board of Directors are determined to give students the opportunity to obtain college credit for their work and voted unanimously to fund this project during its board meeting.”

“NIAF’s decision, demonstrating a commitment for which I am thankful, confirms the importance of the partnership established by the Italian Government and the principal Italian American organizations for the purpose of reinstating Italian in the AP Program. Hon. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, Ambassador of Italy to the United States, said. This establishes an important example that, I am certain, will be followed by other organizations.”

In 2005, the College Board began offering AP Italian but announced three years later that it would cancel the program after the 2008-2009 academic year, citing lack of interest, unless outside funds totaling $3 million became available. Despite extensive work within the Italian American community, the AP Italian program ended in 2009.

Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata also secured a commitment from the Italian government for $1.5 million over a three-year period toward the program. The Embassy of Italy and The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, of which NIAF is an active member, are committed to raising the funds necessary for the remaining $1 million needed by the College Board.

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|CiaoAmerica 03/26/2010|