To perpetuate and honor significance of the discovery of america by christopher columbus, and to simulate and encourage the recognition of other significant contributions made to the development and preservation of the united states, its institutions and ideals, by those of italian adopt-a-scholar program the columbus citizens foundation administers the scholarship program that help hundreds of students in elementary school, high school, college, and graduate programs in the arts. Funding for the program comes from donations made by members, friends and sponsorships of columbus celebration events.