The American University of Rome (AUR) is proud to celebrate M.A. Food Studies student Ariana DeLaurentis, who was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Sons of Italy Foundation's American University of Rome Scholarship, presented at the National Education and Leadership Awards.
Awarded through AUR's longstanding partnership with the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the scholarship recognizes students of Italian heritage who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities. The award reflects the Foundation's mission of investing in future leaders who will strengthen both the Italian-American community and society.
DeLaurentis is pursuing a master's degree in Food Studies: Policies for Sustainable Production and Consumption, building on experience as a farmhand, food educator, farmers' market manager, and communications leader at Sustainable Food Center in Austin, Texas. Across these roles, she has focused on strengthening connections between small-scale farmers, food access, and community well-being.
Now studying in Rome, DeLaurentis is exploring how agricultural traditions, public policy, and grassroots leadership can contribute to more equitable and resilient food systems. Her graduate research focuses on strengthening institutions that support small-scale farmers while advancing sustainable rural development.
"Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful because it connects my family's Italian heritage with the work I hope to dedicate my career to," said DeLaurentis. "My great-grandparents immigrated from Abruzzo and Calabria and built a farm in southern New Jersey, teaching our family that food is an expression of generosity, dignity, and care. Studying in Rome has allowed me to reconnect with those values while preparing for a career supporting farmers and rural communities around the world. I am deeply grateful to the Sons of Italy Foundation and The American University of Rome for investing in that vision."
The $20,000 scholarship represents one of AUR's most significant privately funded graduate awards and reflects the enduring partnership between AUR and OSDIA.
"The Sons of Italy Foundation is proud to invest in the next generation of Italian American leaders, and Ariana DeLaurentis exemplifies the promise and purpose this scholarship was created to recognize," said Joseph Sciame, President of the Sons of Italy Foundation. "Ariana's remarkable achievements and dedication to serving others embody the spirit of this scholarship, and we are proud to support her educational journey through our longstanding partnership with The American University of Rome."
The American University of Rome is proud to partner with the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America in supporting students whose academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service embody the shared values of both institutions.