The Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America was organized in 1930 by a small community of Italian immigrants in Pittsburgh. Members became active in the politics and society of their adopted city and country, but still worked to preserve a cultural link with their Italian heritage.

Nowadays, the organization also encourages young Italian Americans through scholarships and other educational programs. The ISDA annually awards more than $150,000 in academic scholarships. The local Dante Alighieri Lodge #244 Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America, chartered in 1966, awarded its annual scholarships to a group of high school students with Italian heritage, during its 53rd Scholarship Dinner on April 28 at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Hempfield.