Scholarships are available for students who are interested in studying nutrition and dietetics.There are few things more important to your health and well-being than knowing what kinds of food you should – and shouldn’t – put into your body.
With 60 million Americans over the age of 20 that are obese, and 9 million children and teens overweight, the subject of proper nutrition is a hot topic right now – so much so that even the first lady is getting involved in a big way. Michelle Obama has initiated a campaign to eliminate childhood obesity and speaks regularly about the importance of childhood nutrition, advocating for healthier school lunch options, a new food pyramid and access to affordable healthy food.
With so much attention being paid to a proper diet, you can bet there will be plenty of jobs available for those who are looking at a career in nutrition and dietetics. If you’re passionate about healthy eating, these scholarships for nutrition majors may be right up your alley.
If you’re enrolled in a nutrition or dietetics program, you should seriously consider joining The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For only $50, you can become a student member and take advantage of the many benefits the Academy offers, including the opportunity to apply for scholarships.
In fact, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is the largest provider of dietetic scholarships to students at all levels, awarding scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000 every year. To learn more about the application process, visit the academy’s website. In addition to scholarships, there’s also the opportunity to apply for one of their continuing education, recognition or program development awards.
Scholarships are also available through many of the organization’s individual affiliate dietetic associations and practice groups. Just be aware that some require specific group membership or residency in a specific state.
Another great scholarship opportunity for those interested in studying nutrition comes from CANFIT, an organization committed to working with communities and policymakers to ensure kids in low-income communities and communities of color are in healthy eating and physically active environments. Students living in California and of African-American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Latino/Hispanic descent are encouraged to apply for CANFIT’s graduate and undergraduate scholarship opportunities.
Finally, if you’re enrolled at an institution with an accredited dietetic or nutrition program, make sure you check with your financial aid office to learn what other scholarship opportunities are available to you through your school.
Many institutions will offer scholarships just for those enrolled in the program – which hopefully means less competition! Michigan State University, Simmons College, Georgia State University and the University of Utah, among others, all offer nutrition scholarships and internship opportunities.
Whether you’re looking forward to planning food and nutrition programs, or you’re anxious to advise people on healthier eating habits and diet modifications, you couldn’t have picked a better time to become a nutritionist. With America’s population aging, there will soon be an increase in demand for nutritionists at nursing homes and home care agencies.
Many people will turn to nutritionists to help combat America’s growing obesity problem. Whatever career path you choose, there are bound to be scholarship opportunities out there to help you fulfill your dream of helping others make healthy food choices.
