Chi Siamo | Who We Are
Chi Siamo | Who We Are
Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships & Grants
Promoting knowledge and appreciation of Italian culture in our community
is at the heart of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association's mission.
VICA awards grants and scholarships to support projects and endeavors consistent with our mission.
Individuals who are seeking to broaden their knowledge of Italy, including the Italian-American experience, the Italian experience, Italian language, arts, music, history, and culture are encouraged to apply.
2022 Grant Recipients
Samantha Aikman
The grant from the Vermont Italian Cultural Association allowed me to experience Italy in a new exploratory and independent way, while also working on my writing. The summer after I graduated high school in 2022, I spent two weeks traveling alone, spending a few days in each of four Italian cities. During my travels I recorded videos and collected ideas and notes, so when I returned home, I could compile a final spoken-word poetry video about my experience. This trip enabled me to discover Italian culture, gain confidence in my ability to navigate the world, and create a final piece that commemorated my journey.
Watch Sam's poetry video here!
Josh Collier artistic director of BARN Opera, left, and me, right, "backstage" of Cosi Fan tutte.
Nicholas Tocci
I am extremely lucky to have had the pleasure to work with the Vermont Italian Cultural Association and benefit from their incredible generosity. With the help of the grant, I was able to realize my dream of not only visiting Italy, but also doing what I love best, singing and producing opera. As the Associate Director of BARN Opera, I had the privilege of joining our staff and faculty for our intensive summer program, Castellopera. Situated in the rolling hills of Tuscany, the breathtaking Medici commissioned Castello di Ristonchi housed our staff, faculty, students, and community members for a three-week intensive in Italian opera, language, and culture. There I took part in Italian language courses, led rehearsals, presented a faculty concert, met, and worked with some amazing Italian colleagues, and joined our students on stage as we produced a full production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte. After our hard work was accomplished at the castello, we spent our remaining time visiting and exploring Florence, as well as Rome. My excitement to be immersed in my culture and heritage took me to every corner of these great cities. From my hotel on the Arno, to the heights of the Boboli Gardens, and from my small flat outside of Rome, all the way to the center of the Vatican. All the while stopping to enjoy all the food and gelato my stomach could handle. I could not have asked for a more enriching experience, and it simply would not have been possible without the assistance of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association. I am eternally grateful.
Past Grant Recipients
Trevor Biggs
Trevor graduated from UVM in 2019 with a degree in environmental studies. With a focus on sustainability, he traveled to Italy during his senior year to participate in an archaeological and agronomic research project at an ancient Roman villa in the commune of Mompeo. Trevor later traveled to Perugia to attend a three-week course at the Umbria Institute led by UVM Classics Professor Mark Usher. The course centered around the cultural history of the Romans and their early sustainability practices. A VICA grant helped Trevor fund his interest in exploring the connection between the ancient Roman culture and how to apply this to our future.