Welcome To
The Italian Language Foundation, Inc.
Promoting and Supporting Italian Language Education
What Do We Do?
Support the growth of Advanced Placement Program in Italian
ILF Student Members are eligible for the Awards for Excellence, Internships, the Commitment 2 Excellence Program and more.
Train and support teachers of Italian, especially AP Italian
ILF Teacher Members are offered free professional development workshops and webinars and eligible for the Teacher Recognition Awards.
Promote Italian Language study in the United States & the world
Supports the study of Italian language and culture at the highest level in schools and universities throughout the U.S. and across the world.
FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS
Awards for Excellence
Deadline for submission of information is August 5, 2025
We are offering students an Award for Excellence of $150 for a score of 4 and $250 for a score of 5 on the AP Italian exam. Plus, teachers of AP Italian whose students achieve a score of 4 or 5 on the exam will receive $100 per student who apply for the Award for Excellence. This gift may be applied to the purchase of materials or cultural experiences for the students of AP Italian in that teacher’s class(es).
For students to be eligible, you must:
- Be an ILF Student Member. Not a member? Join here now: Student Registration Form
- Have a teacher of Italian who is an ILF Teacher Member. They may join here if they are not a member already: Teacher Registration Form
- Provide your 2025 AP Italian exam score
- Have received a 4 or 5 on the AP Italian exam
- Provide proof of registration in Italian language course(s) in your freshman year of college in the United States
For teachers to be eligible, you must:
- Be an ILF Teacher Member. Not a member? Join here now: Teacher Registration Form
- Have at least 1 student complete their application for the Awards for Excellence with the criteria above.
- Provide names of eligible students, your school, grade level, email address, and mailing address.
THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION’S
FUNDRAISER – JUNE 26th, 2025
Barbara Naclerio
&
Christina Fiorito


Barbara Naclerio
Christina Fiorito
Barbara Naclerio is the esteemed owner of two renowned Bronx catering establishments, The Eastwood Manor and Maestro’s Caterers. Throughout the years, she and her late husband shared a deep commitment to philanthropy, generously supporting institutions such as Sacred Heart University and Villanova. In recognition of their contributions and community impact, they were honored at the 2014 Columbus Day Parade.
Christina Fiorito is a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Room at Montefiore Hospital, married to Anthony Fiorito and a proud mother of two, Luca and Stella. After studying Italian in college, spending a year abroad, and many summers in Amalfi, she became fluent and now passes that gift on to her children from birth. As a proud Italian-American and member of the Westchester Italian American Foundation, she is passionate about sharing the beauty of the Italian language and culture with others.
Presentation to the 2025 Giambelli Culinary Award Recipients:
Angelo Brocato Ice Cream and Confectionery Inc.
Andrew Cotto
DeCicco & Sons
Francesca Montillo
Pogliani Select
Sergio’s Ristorante
Stresa Restaurant


The Emerging Leaders Council of the Italian Language Foundation had a great time at their recent fundraiser! Led by Founding Member Marianna Cuomo Maier of @GrataWellness at the iconic @DaNicoRistorante in Little Italy, NYC, the 2025 event was a beautiful celebration of Italian language and culture. Are you a postgraduate young professional with a passion for Italian? You don’t need to be Italian to love Italy and its culture. Join the ELC and help us continue our mission! Visit ItalianLanguageFoundation.org/Emerging-Leaders-Council for information on how to join.
Photo Credit: Madison Goldman



ANNOUNCING THE CLAIRE GAUDIANI MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP
PROGRAM
Applications for the Fall, 2025 semester will be announced soon.
Please wait for the announcement to be made.
Become an ILF Student Member (it’s free): Sign up here!
- Send the following to [email protected]:
- Name of teacher who is an ILF Teacher Member. (Professor not a Teacher Member? They can register here: Teacher Member Sign-Up)
- A letter of recommendation from your college professor of Italian
- A letter of recommendation from a leader of a volunteer organization you are affiliated with as a tutor or other volunteer
- A blog (250 words or less) describing your experience studying Italian, traveling to Italy, visiting Italian art exhibits, concerts, restaurants, specialty markets, etc. – please also send one or two photos to go with your blog!
- Your official transcript from your most recent semester
- Proof of enrollment in an Italian class for Spring 2025
Enrico Fermi – ILF College Fellowship: Student required to be enrolled in a college Italian language class and also in science and/or math classes, including pre-med, scientific research, etc. Fellowship is $1,000 per semester, renewable for up to 3 years.
The Claire Gaudiani Memorial Fellowship – Student required to be enrolled in a college Italian language class, together with other academic courses. A minor or major concentration in Italian is not required. Fellowship is $1,000, renewable for up to 3 years.
Fred Kuwornu – ILF College Fellowship: Student required to be of African-American heritage and enrolled in a college Italian language class, together with other academic courses. A minor or major concentration in Italian is not required. Fellowship is $1,000, renewable for up to 3 years.
For more information on The Claire Gaudiani Memorial Fellowship program, visit our Student Page.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SPONSOR THE FELLOWSHIP WITH A NAMING OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO:
[email protected]
INTERNSHIPS for ILF college student members
Did you know that, as a college-level Student Member of The Italian Language Foundation, you receive exclusive access to internship opportunities? We have partnerships with companies that are looking for students like you! So, if you are a college student in the U.S. and a Student Member of The Italian Language Foundation, send the following to [email protected]:
- Your most recent transcript
- Your resumé
- A recommendation from your Italian teacher (professor) who is a Teacher Member of the ILF. If your teacher (professor) is not an ILF Teacher Member, please encourage her/him to join the ILF as soon as possible.
- A brief, personal statement describing your interest in studying Italian in college and a description of your future career plans.
Once we receive your complete application, we will share with interested businesses, organizations, etc., and they will reach out to you if you qualify!
MENTORS for ILF high school and college student members

Are you a high school or college-level student of Italian?
The Italian Language Foundation (ILF) offers Mentors who provide guidance on resume writing, applying for colleges and internships, and interview techniques in order to prepare you for success.
ILF Mentors are postgraduate professionals who are members of the ILF Emerging Leaders Council. Mentorship is free of charge.
You must be a Student Member of The Italian Language Foundation to be eligible for a Mentor.
Not an ILF Student Member? Please register here: Student Member registration
ILF Student Members can request a Mentor here: Request a Mentor
Our Latest Blog Posts
Recent Posts
- La Comunità di Vicinato in Italia July 10, 2025
- The Neighborhood Community in Italy July 10, 2025
- Licei italiani contro scuole superiori americane: esami tosti e festoni per il diciottesimo June 25, 2025
- Italian vs. American High Schools: Tough Exams, and 18th Birthday Jubilees June 25, 2025
- L’importanza Dell’apprendimento Delle Lingue June 5, 2025


Thank you to the Giambelli Foundation for its support!
ILF Is Proud To Announce It Has Reached Its Matching Goal And Received A Grant From The Giambelli Foundation. We Are Grateful For Their Continued Support Of ILF’s Mission And Programs