Jordan Michelle Callahan
Texas Association of Local WIC Directors Scholarship
Completing a Dietetic Technician Program at Tarrant County College
| “The Academy Foundation Scholarship Program has given me the ability to pursue a career in dietetics. The ability not just to attend classes, but to find the time to complete volunteer and research projects, as well as give my all at an internship. Financial assistance is truly the most important thing for any student, as this assistance provides the freedom to focus and learn. All of my future accomplishments will be possible by the opportunity the Foundation has given me today. Thank you.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
I am a member of the Academy, and frequent reader of all emails and information that the Academy distributes. To be perfectly honest, I believe I first heard of the scholarship from fellow students, however I learned about the application opening from an email.
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
I was motivated to apply by my professors within my dietetics program. We are a small program, and all of my nutrition classes are taught by the same lovely, dedicated group of men and women. This group of educators motivate both myself, and others in our program, to put ourselves out there and grow in confidence. My professors use their life experience as well as their time as registered dietitians to encourage us to continue to learn and grow even outside of the program. My professors work with each student individually, and make recommendations based on our individual goals and backgrounds. I was motivated by their recommendations, and the hope that I may be able to push myself to begin a career. Without Dawn Blevins, Ashton Baldwin, and Christina Newville I would not have the confidence I do today to push forward with my goals.
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
My program contains a part time internship placement at the same time as a full time courseload. As I advance in my degree program, the classes become more meaningful and more time consuming, and each one requires several hours outside of class time to fully absorb the material and prepare for the NDTR, and later RD, exam. To be given assistance with the financial burden of tuition, scrubs, and textbooks allows for me to focus on becoming the best nutrition practitioner I can be. Without this assistance, I would not be able to afford all of my class materials without overextending my budget and increasing personal stress, rather than focusing on my program.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
I would advise them to just try. I did notify my classmates about the application for the Foundation's Scholarship opening, however I do not believe many completed it. While it does seem intimidating to apply to such a large, important scholarship, it is not possible to receive help if you don't ask, and will never get an opportunity you don't work for. Next year I plan to remind any remaining classmates to try their best, and that the assistance is invaluable because it gives the opportunity to focus on education rather than money.
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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