“Le D.I.V.E.” (Donne Italiane che Vivono all’Estero = Italian women living abroad) is a non-profit association formally born in Washington, D.C. in 2001, exclusively based on volunteering, registered in 2012 as a 501c(3) organization and recognized by the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The mission of the organization includes promoting Italian language and culture abroad.

Le D.I.V.E. Award honors one (or more) high school teachers of Italian language in public high schools of the greater Washington D.C. area. The award, funded by Le D.I.VE. charity activities and donations, is in the amount of $1000 and aims to support the teachers’ school activities or their professional development to teach Italian language.