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Scholarship requirements

Eligibility: 

  • Academic Excellence – 3.0 cumulative GPA or above, with preference given to those with higher GPA.
  • Must be a matriculated student participating in a U.S. university-certified study abroad program in Florence, Italy or enrolled at the University of Florence. Please provide a copy of official letter of acceptance into study abroad program in Florence, Italy. 
  • Must have completed 60 units or more by time of departure for the program.
  • Residence in Santa Clara County for at least six months while studying at a university in Santa Clara County, or 
  • Residence in Santa Clara County for at least six continuous months immediately before enrolling in a university outside of Santa Clara County. 

Required Documentation: 

Applicants shall provide a copy of any two official documents listed below as acceptable documentation from a university in Santa Clara County indicating that the student is currently a full-time student or as a proof of residency:

  • California Driver’s license with an address in Santa Clara County. 
  • Recent income tax return showing a Santa Clara County address.
  • Proof of voter registration in Santa Clara County. 
  • Utility bill (gas, water, or electricity) with the student’s name and address in Santa Clara County. If an applicant resides or resided with another person or persons (such as his or her parents) in Santa Clara County, a utility bill with that person’s name and address will also be accepted as proof of residency. In such cases, the applicant should indicate his or her relationship to the person whose name appears on the utility bill. 
  • Dorm lease or payments for students who are studying in Santa Clara County and living in a dorm, and have opted not to change their voter registration or driver's license from a jurisdiction outside of Santa Clara County.

Applicants shall also provide:

  • Official letter of acceptance into the study abroad program in Florence, Italy.
  • Must describe their interest in Italian culture in one to two paragraphs.
  • Complete and submit an application, which includes copies of transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. Any missing items may disqualify your application.
     

Once the scholarship is awarded, students will be asked to complete a W-9 Tax Form for tax purposes before a check is awarded.

Requirements after completion of the exchange program:

  • Write an evaluative report about their experiences abroad and present it at a Florence Commission meeting. 
  • Attend at least one commission event or volunteer to help at one commission fundraiser.
  • Assist with the promotion of the study abroad program by sharing their experiences with others to encourage them to explore these opportunities. Activities can include but are not limited to: holding informal talks with students, classes, and clubs on campus; writing articles for school websites and newsletters, and posting and distributing publicity materials.  

 

Important Dates: Applications for the 2025 study abroad program are currently being accepted and will remain open until the current grant is awarded.

Possible request for Interviews: Approximately four months after submission at the discretion of the commission.