CIAO has instituted a student scholarship program.

The CIAO scholarship committee is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Williamsburg Community Foundation (WCF), which will serve as our administrative partner. The Foundation’s scholarship program supports students attending Williamsburg area high schools and administers a large number of scholarships each year. The scholarship is posted on the WCF website.

Under this new administrative arrangement, the CIAO scholarship committee provides WCF with the scholarship criteria. Eligible applicants include high school students planning to enroll in a four year college, community college, vocational or trade school, or certification program. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and show enthusiasm for their chosen area of study or trade. Additional consideration will be given to students who are employed and/or have held leadership roles during high school.

The Williamsburg Community Foundation will review all applications and select the most qualified candidates to receive the scholarships. Following final approval by the CIAO scholarship committee, the foundation will notify the recipients and distribute the two $2,000 scholarship awards.

CIAO funds a scholarship program through a variety of fundraising efforts, including special events, individual member donations, and other initiatives. One such effort is the annual scholarship fundraiser pasta dinner. To support the 2026 scholarship, a pasta dinner was held on September 27, 2025. Earlier in the year, CIAO successfully hosted its first meatball cookoff on May 31, 2025. Additional fundraising activities will take place throughout the year to ensure scholarship funding goals are met.

In addition to participating in CIAO’s fundraising events, individuals may also make direct, tax deductible contributions to support the CIAO scholarship program. Those interested in contributing are encouraged to first read the donation instructions.