I would like to presume, although it does not specifically state so, that the 
leadership skills learned, will be used to the future advantage of the I-A 
community, not merely for the personal advancement of the individual. 

I would also like to assume that those chosen will be done at least partially 
on the basis of their past demonstated concern for their heritage.

Please note the request for Applications.
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NIAF LAUNCHES STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 
FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
    
    (WASHINGTON, DC - March 1, 2002)     The National Italian American
Foundation (NIAF) announces its newest educational initiative, the Students
to Leaders (S2L) Program, educational workshops for incoming junior and
senior high school students.  Approximately 80 Italian American students
will participate in the all expenses-paid mentor programs in New York City
and Washington, DC.  The workshops will help them develop leadership skills
in the areas of business and  finance or government and public policy.

    The Government/Public Policy S2L Workshop in Washington, DC will
take students to the heart of the nation's capital for an in-depth look at
the political world of today during a four-day summit from July 10 -14,
2002. 

    The Business/Finance S2L Workshop will be held in New York City, the
center of international finance, July 17-21,2002.

    S2L Workshop participants will attend meetings with important
political and financial leaders, visit business and government institutions
in the business or government sectors and participate in interactive
leadership and team building sessions.
    
    Incoming junior and senior high school students for the Fall 2002
academic year are eligible to apply for either the Government/Public Policy
S2L Workshop or the Business/Finance S2L Workshop.   Students must be of
Italian heritage.  For an application form, visit the NIAF website at:
www.niaf.org/S2L  Deadline: April 22, 2002. 

The NIAF is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC And dedicated
to preserving the heritage of an estimated 25 million Americans of Italian
descent. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       Contact: Elissa Ruffino at 202/939-3106
                        or elissa@niaf.org