Our Story
The Italian Language Foundation’s mission is to promote and sustain Italian language education in the United States and across the world. The Italian Language Foundation recognizes the value of learning Italian in a variety of cultural and economic areas, including international trade and banking, fashion, business, and the arts, to mention a few. The Italian Language Foundation supports the Advanced Placement Program in Italian, offered by the College Board.
The Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation qualified by the Internal Revenue Service to receive tax deductible contributions.
Established in July 3, 2008 by Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D., and Louis A. Tallarini, the Italian Language Foundation has consistently encouraged students to learn the Italian language, and offers successful students special awards and benefits. In addition, teachers of Italian who are members of the Italian Language Foundation are supported with free professional development workshops and other incentives to enhance their teaching skills.
Please join us in helping more students to learn Italian and fall in love with the wonderful culture of Italy. And remember – 100% of the donation you make is tax deductible and goes toward supporting Italian language education.
Our History
2005
After 10 years of effort from the education community and the Republic of Italy, a prominent Italian-American organization and the Cuomo family, the College Board launches an Advanced Placement (AP) exam in Italian Language and Culture representing the first new AP language exam in 50 years!
2008
Despite growth, College Board announces cancellation of AP Italian Language and Culture Program due to economic factors.
July 3, 2008
The Italian Language Foundation is founded by Margaret Cuomo, M.D. and Louis Tallarini with the goal of restoring AP Italian Language and Culture Program.
2009
Despite this significant commitment, AP Italian was not offered for 2009-10 academic year due to the economic environment. With support from the Republic of Italy, Italian-American organizations, and the leadership of Italian Language Foundation, the College Board reinstated AP Italian.
2010
Italian Language Foundation launches the Awards for Excellence as a student incentive. Free professional development workshops are offered to teachers of Italian.
2012-2015
The Italian Language Foundation, the Republic of Italy, the teachers of Italian, and the Italian-American community nationwide combined efforts to increase the number of AP Italian students. These efforts resulted in the largest incremental increase in students taking the AP exam among any of the AP world languages.
2016
AP Italian Language exam takers reached 2,774, surpassing the College Board’s requirement of reaching 2,500 exams within a 5-year period.
2019
After the administration of La Guardia High School announces AP Italian will no longer be offered, a strong advocacy effort is launched. Working closely with LaGuardia High School’s teachers and parents, Italian Language Foundation provides strong support all the way to the School Superintendent to reinstate AP Italian for September 2019.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian Language Foundation offers online learning opportunities, promotes the College Board’s AP Italian preparatory classes and organizes online professional development workshops for teachers of Italian. In addition, the Italian Language Foundation launches its Student Internship Program inviting business entities to become partners.
2021-2022
The Commitment 2 Excellence Program is launched. ILF offers mentorship, leadership, and internship opportunities. Teacher Recognition Awards are offered to outstanding teachers of Italian nationally.
2023-2024
The Italian Language Foundation offers its new Fellowship program for college students enrolled in Italian language classes.