INCENTIVE FUNDING FOR ITALIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR

In an effort to promote the study of the Italian language in U.S. schools, the government of Italy allocates funds each year to support the teaching of the Italian language in public and private schools, specifically earmarked for students in the K through 8th grades. These funds are granted by the Italian Consulate of Los Angeles and are issued to the schools through local non-profit organizations, whose mission is to promote the Italian language in their regions. Fondazione Italia is one of such organizations and it works in close collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles.

Each school year, subject to availability of funds, Italian government-funded incentive grants are awarded by the Italian Consulate through Fondazione Italia to selected schools planning to provide Italian language instruction for their students in the K through 8th grades. These grants (of up to $25,000 per school, per year) can be used to defray in large part the cost of an hourly instructor. Textbooks are also provided. The award is based on a matching commitment from the school/district that may be either financial or in-kind. Teachers of Italian language classes must be employees of the school or the school district. The cost of their services will be reimbursed by Fondazione Italia at an hourly rate. Only instructional time may be reimbursed under this grant. Preparation/administrative time and any benefits offered by the school to the instructor are the responsibility of the school and may not be reimbursed. Grants are limited to 38-week programs. Beginning programs can be offered after school. However, highest funding priority will be given to schools that show an interest to include the study of the Italian language as part of their curriculum.

Interested schools are invited to apply for these grants by completing and returning the enclosed application form to Fondazione Italia by April 30, 2008. Additional copies may be downloaded from www.fondazione-italia.org. All proposals will then be forwarded to the Italian Consulate for consideration. Grants will be awarded based on the merits of the application and on availability of funds from the government of Italy.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Elisabetta Engler, Executive Director, at (310) 691-8909 or by e-mail at bengler@fondazione-italia.org.
You may also contact the Education Office of the Italian Consulate General in Los Angeles directly at (310) 979-5273 or by e-mail at scuola.losangeles@esteri.it.

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