Alyssia Goss
2022 Texas Association of Local WIC Directors Scholarship
Completing a Dietetic Internship at Keith and Associates Distance Dietetic Internship
| “I always assumed that everyone knew about the Foundation's Scholarship Program, that everyone applied for the scholarships there, and that I had no chance of winning. Just apply! The work you put into the scholarship is nothing compared to the joy and relief you feel if you do receive some funding. If you feel stumped about applying, think of how everyone else feels. You have a chance, but only if you apply! Receiving this scholarship will help me achieve my goals because I can focus more on finishing my internship and passing the RD exam, and less on how I am going to pay for it. I took a couple years after completing my DPD program to decide whether or not I would do an internship because the cost was so high to complete. I am so grateful I can worry less on the cost and more on my studies and rotations.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
I learned about the availability of the Academy Foundation scholarship via an email from the Academy notifying me of the various scholarships available. Once I saw that email I continued on to the academy website and found the application form for the various scholarships that were available.
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
Although I still have outstanding student loans from my undergraduate work, both my husband and I have been working since graduation to pay down student loans and prepare financially for our futures. Currently, my husband and I are also supporting my younger sister who is living with us. In order to continue my education, we will have to make significant financial sacrifices to afford the cost of tuition by either taking on more debt or cutting other needs from our budget. While selecting internships I was careful to choose a program with part-time flexibility that will allow me to hold a part-time job. This will give me the opportunity to get the most out of my education while continuing to pay down my student loans. I knew that if we were able to receive a scholarship it would be a significant blessing in my life by helping to alleviate the significant costs of my internship and allow me to focus more fully on my internship and less on work.
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
Although I will always find a way to achieve my dreams, an Academy Foundation scholarship would help alleviate the financial strain during my internship and allow me to more fully focus on my education. Given that I cannot take out additional loans to cover the cost of the tuition for the program I am enrolled in the payment of these costs will represent a significant sacrifice by my family. This scholarship is particularly important for me because I plan to start my own business and eventually work in a role supporting my community. Starting a business is often expensive and this scholarship would allow me to continue down this path without incurring debt that will delay the starting of my future business. This scholarship would be a huge financial step forward in helping me achieve my financial and professional goals as I work relentlessly to shape my own future and change the world.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
I always assumed that everyone knew about the Foundation's Scholarship Program, that everyone applied for the scholarships there, and that I had no chance of winning. Just apply! The work you put into the scholarship application is nothing compared to the joy and relief you feel if you do receive some funding. If you feel stumped about applying, think of how everyone else feels. You have a chance, but only if you apply!
Scholarship and Award Application and Timeline Information
All applications and timelines for Foundation funding opportunities are made available electronically within the Foundation’s application portal. Generally, the scholarship applications are available from mid- February to mid-April, most award and grant applications are available from December to February, and fellowship opportunities are posted as they become available.
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With Your Help, We Can Do Even More
Our Foundation is the only charitable organization dedicated exclusively to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals by empowering them to help consumers live healthier lifestyles. Our Foundation does not receive any portion of member dues and is funded solely by donations. Please consider making a gift today to support our Make It a Million Scholarship Campaign that will help us to award one million dollars in scholarships annually to Academy members, students and dietetic interns at all levels of study.
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