Academy Foundation Blog

Natalie Kowell, MS - 2022 Dorothy MacRae Hyman Memorial Scholarship Recipient

By Foundation Admin posted 06-09-2023 09:00 AM

  
Natalie Kowell, MS

Natalie Kowell, MS

2022 Dorothy MacRae Hyman Memorial Scholarship

Completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics at University of Northern Colorado

“This scholarship will allow me to focus on being a student. Rather than spending my weekends working or being concerned about how I will finance my future, I can soak up the knowledge I'm learning and engage more with my peers and teachers. Already, I can affirm that becoming and RD is both very rewarding and expensive. For me, receiving this scholarship was more than just a "resource boost," it was an affirmation of what I'm doing. This scholarship gives me reassurance that I'm on the right path and that there are people out there who believe in my success -- which is a very grounding idea.”

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

I sought out scholarship opportunities with the Foundation upon recommendation from my DPD Coordinator and Director. University of Northern Colorado does not offer scholarship or financial assistance to students doing the online program. They recommended the students check out what the Foundation was offering by way of resources and funds, so I did.

What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?

When I went on the Foundation's website, I saw a lot of scholarship opportunities that I qualified for. I wanted to apply because I thought I had a decent chance of receiving one. Even the smaller scholarships, I thought, "every little bit helps in the grand scheme of things."

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

I have no doubt that this scholarship will give me momentum in this school year. I already have ample motivation to succeed. I already have a masters which I received in the UK. Upon returning to the US, the UK Nutrition program didn't match perfectly with the US Dietetic requirement; hence me returning to school and pursuing my dietetic internship. I have thought about this career path for many years and it is something I've always wanted to do. Receiving this scholarship really confirmed for me that I was taking a step in the right direction by going back to school and foregoing other work opportunities. Because the Foundation is supporting my education, I feel like more people have their "skin in the game" when it comes to my education. I will succeed both for myself and for my team of supporters.

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

Apply! Even if you think you don't have a chance. Even if you don't think the scholarship offers a lot of money - every bit helps. There's nothing to lose by getting your name out there and trying.

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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