ADAF Student Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

The American Dietetic Association, through its many association groups, offers a variety of scholarships and educational stipends to individuals pursuing undergraduate and advanced degrees in dietetics or food and nutrition related areas. General scholarship and educational stipend information from the American Dietetic Association Foundation, the dietetic practice groups and affiliate (state) and district dietetic associations can be accessed from the respective group's information listed on this site.

Scholarships Offered Through the American Dietetic Association Foundation
Scholarships, including funds set up by many of the affiliate (state) dietetic associations and dietetic practice groups, are available to encourage eligible students and members to enroll in dietetics programs. All ADAF scholarships require ADA membership; some may require specific dietetic practice group membership and residency in a specific state.

While all students are eligible for most ADAF scholarships, some are specified for dietetics students who are members of underrepresented groups.

Eligibility and Application Information
Scholarships awarded by the ADAF are generally for ADA members enrolled in the junior or senior year of a baccalaureate or coordinated program in dietetics or the second year of study in a dietetic technician program, a dietetic internship program or a graduate program. One application form is used for all ADAF scholarships. The number of scholarships available and their dollar amounts vary from year to year. For the 2009-2010 academic year, 222 scholarships were awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $3,000. The majority of the scholarships awarded are for $1,000. The September Journal of the American Dietetic Association includes information about ADAF scholarships.

• ADAF Scholarship Eligibility Requirements and Application

The ADAF scholarship form is also available by contacting the Education Team by phone at 800/877-1600, ext. 5400 or e-mail at education@eatright.org. Applications are available each year between mid-September and mid-January. The annual deadline for submitting applications is in mid-February. Scholarships are awarded for the following academic or program year.

Scholarships Offered by Other ADA Groups
Scholarships from the dietetic practice groups and the affiliate and district dietetic associations generally require membership in that group or residence in its area. Individuals interested in scholarships offered by the DPGs and affiliate or district dietetic associations should contact these groups directly for more information.

Free International Financial Assistance and Resources Directory
The American Dietetic Association Foundation has released the third edition of the ADAF Directory of Resources for International Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics Professionals. This publication was made possible through the Wimpfheimer-Guggenheim Fund for International Exchange in Nutrition, Dietetics and Management.

The 90-page directory is a reference for U.S. and international students and professionals who are seeking funding for professional study, work experience or research in their home country or abroad. The publication lists more than 100 groups offering financial assistance and features education organizations, loan programs, literature and Internet resources.  Download the free pdf version.

Other Sources of Financial Aid
Financial assistance is essential for many students enrolled in dietetics education programs. Information about student aid should be sought from the financial aid office or administrator at individual institutions. Additional sources include the state higher education agency and local civic, professional and community organizations or foundations.

Detailed information about federal grants and loans administered by the United States Department of Education is available via the Internet at www.studentaid.ed.gov/.

September 2008

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