Assemblyman Ed Ra (21st Assembly District) today announced he is accepting applications in his district office for scholarships to be awarded by the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators. The group will award four $1,500 scholarships – two academic and two athletic – to student applicants from around New York State.

Eligible applicants can be high school students planning to attend college in the fall, current undergraduate students or graduate students and must reside in the 21st Assembly District.

“This is a terrific opportunity for students to receive a scholarship to assist them with the cost of paying for college,” said Ra. “A college degree will open many doors in life, but is also expensive. That’s why I am encouraging all area high school seniors to apply for this scholarship as a way to help offset the rising costs of earning a college degree.”

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, at Assemblyman Ra’s district office, 925 Hempstead Turnpike, Room 350, Franklin Square. Scholarship applications will be evaluated based on students’ academic and athletic achievements, as well as extracurricular activity, community service and financial need.

One academic and one athletic scholarship application from Ra’s district will be included in the final statewide selection process. Interested students may request an application by contacting Assemblyman Ra’s district office at 437-5577.