Foundation Scholarship FAQs

1. When can I apply for an Academy Foundation scholarship?

Applications are available for the 2024-2025 academic year from February 15 to April 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Central time).

2. Can I apply if I am a part-time student?

Yes. Both students attending full- and part-time are eligible to apply.

3. Where can I find the scholarship application?

The online application is updated yearly and is made available within the Foundation’s externally hosted application portal.

4. What is the scholarship deadline?

Applications and all supporting forms and documents (i.e., verification forms, recommendation forms, etc.) must be submitted through the online application portal by the application deadline of April 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Central time). Emailed applications, supporting forms/documents, and other additional materials will not be accepted.

5. How will I be notified if I received or did not receive a scholarship?

All applicants, including those not selected to receive a scholarship, will be notified via email in mid- to late-August 2024. Foundation staff cannot provide interim information or feedback on scholarship applications.

6. Does the Academy Foundation offer scholarships to students who are not Academy members?

Most Foundation scholarships either require Academy membership or give preference to Academy members. However, Academy membership is not required for multiple annual Foundation scholarships.

7. What are the requirements to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?

Scholarships are available for students of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nutrition technician programs, as well as dietetic interns. Additional program-specific eligibility requirements apply. Please refer to the Scholarship Eligibility Requirements listed on our scholarship webpage for further information.

8. Where can I obtain information about Academy membership?

See the qualifications to become a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and to apply. For help with renewing your membership, please call 800/877-1600 ext. 5000.

9. Are there any scholarships for high school students?

No. The Academy Foundation does not offer scholarships to high school students.

10. What else do I need to submit with the application form?

The following materials must be submitted within the application. Additional materials will not be reviewed or considered.

  • Applications must include a current resume that addresses the following components, if applicable:
    • Education
    • Paid work experience
    • Volunteer experience and civic/community engagement
    • Leadership experience
    • Professional involvement or membership
    • Honors or awards
  • Applications must include TWO completed recommendation forms – one must be completed by an academic source and the other must be completed by a professional source.
    • Recommendation forms from Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are preferred.
    • Letters of recommendation will not be accepted in place of a recommendation form.
  • Applicants are required to upload transcripts for all colleges or universities that they have completed collegiate coursework at or have a faculty member complete the Foundation’s GPA Verification Form on their behalf.

Doctoral student applicants are required to provide a copy of their GRE scores or have a faculty member complete the Foundation’s GRE Verification Form on their behalf.

  • Doctoral students who were not required to complete the GRE for admission to their program must have a faculty member complete the Foundation’s GRE Verification Form to confirm it was not required for admission.

11. How many scholarships may I apply for?

The Foundation’s scholarship application is a singular, centralized application. By completing the scholarship application, you are automatically considered for every Foundation scholarship you meet the eligibility criteria for.

12. How often can I apply for scholarships?

Students may apply for an Academy Foundation scholarship every year, as long as they meet the scholarship requirements.

13. What are my chances of winning an Academy Foundation scholarship?

It is a competitive process. The chances of receiving a scholarship depend on the number of available scholarships and the number of applicants received. Last year, the Foundation received over 1,000 applicants was able to award scholarships to 294 students and dietetic interns.

14. How are applications scored?

Each application is reviewed by three members of the Foundation Scholarship Committee. Applications are scored based on academic achievement/scholarship, professional attributes (professional achievements and potential) and financial need. Consideration is also given to how an applicant's background and life experiences have shaped and challenged them to grow as an individual in order to pursue an education in nutrition and dietetics.

15. How much money is awarded?

The amounts range from $500 to $25,000. The majority of the scholarships awarded are between $1,000-$2,500.

16. Are interviews required?

Only one Foundation scholarship requires an interview component. Applicants who are not invited to interview will still be considered for all other Foundation scholarships being offered that year.

17. How will I be notified if I am selected for an interview?

Invitations to interview will be extended to select applicants in July 2024.

18. Where can I find more information about available scholarships?

Information about student aid should be sought from the financial aid office or administrator at individual institutions. Additional sources include the state dietetic association, state higher education agency and local civic, professional and community organizations or foundations. Also, detailed information about federal grants and loans administered by the United States Department of Education is available online.