Academy Foundation Blog

Thomas Moses - 2022 Colonel Katharine E. Manchester Scholarship Recipient

By Foundation Admin posted 02-17-2023 09:00 AM

  
Thomas Moses

Thomas Moses

2022 Colonel Katharine E. Manchester Scholarship

Completing a Concurrent Graduate Program and Dietetic Internship at University of North Carolina Greensboro

“Receiving this scholarship will allow me to truly focus on my academic goals instead of worrying about working to pay bills and necessary expenses. I am grateful for the scholarship to provide the opportunity for me to live, let go, and learn. My financial burdens have decreased and inversely increased my confidence to meet my educational and career goals.”

How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?

I learned about the availability of the Foundation scholarships from students and teachers within my program. This was my first year submitting an application; however, I have been encouraged to complete an application every year since starting my journey to become an RDN.

What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?

The biggest motivation for applying was my extreme need for financial support during the 2022-2023 school year. I have always needed some financial support during this educational journey; however, I knew this year will be like no other year due to the Dietetic Internship. I wanted to decrease the workload that did not include school and internship requirements to truly allow me to focus on my educational goals. Working a part-time job would not allow me to fully participate and engage in the internship to be successful in graduating and eventually becoming an RDN.

How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?

As a first generation college student, I have struggled with finding financial and emotional support from my family. Being awarded this scholarship, validates and encourages my educational dreams and career goals in ways that my own family members have yet to be able to support. The additional funds will allow me to purchase all necessary school supplies, attend the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, and devote more time engaging in my education rather than working to secure finances.

What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?

My most important advice is to be genuine and personable as well as to start the application as early as possible. I believe the committee reads hundreds of applications; however, making your application stand out by telling your personal and unique journey allows the committee to relate and connect to the applicant's needs for financial support. Since the application is somewhat lengthy, I would strongly encourage students to start the application and asking for references at a minimum of a month in advance. This will allow the applicant to develop and review the best application possible while also giving references time to complete their portion of the application.

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.

To ensure you receive all of our Foundation news and announcements, including scholarship, award and grant announcements, subscribe to our Foundation’s weekly Kids Eat Right Monday Message and Foundation News.

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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