Scholarships & Awards

Apply today for these awards, scholarships and grants today!

 

Click here to view Current and Past Award Recipients

PA Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics

Awards

Each year it is the privilege of the PA Academy Nominating committee to review applications from RDNs, NDTRs and students throughout the state who qualify for the various awards and scholarships.

2022-2023 PAND Nominating Committee

Chair/Central: Janel Zeigler  pandnominating@gmail.com

Lehigh Valley: Jenn Howell: jennhowell42@gmail.com

Northeast: Emily R. Fasciana: emily.richters05@gmail.com

Northwest: Elizabeth Clinger: ealderton24@yahoo.com

Pittsburgh: Melissa Kline: klinemm@upmc.edu

Philadelphia: Koran Watson: koranbwatson@gmail.com

Award recipients are recognized in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and each awardee receives a congratulatory letter and certificate signed by the president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Awardees will also be recognized at the Pennsylvania Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting and Exhibition (AME).

Click here to view the Award Application Instructions for all awards listed below.

Click here for Nomination Sheet

Click here for Professional Bio Template

See below for the criteria, deadline, and application (data sheet and nomination criteria) for each award.

Outstanding Dietitian of the Year

Each year the Academy recognizes those individuals who receive the affiliate's top member award (one per affiliate). The criteria and the name of the award are determined by each state organization.

Nomination Deadline: January 15th, 2023

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Be a registered dietitian and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for 15 years or longer.
  2. Current member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  3. Have demonstrated leadership as a dedicated officer, committee chair, and other representative work of long standing in the affairs of the district, state, and/or national association.
  4. Have demonstrated leadership roles in other community organizations or as a resource to the public.
  5. Be committed to advocacy activities to improve the status of human beings, other than that which is part of one’s business position.
  6. Have initiated efforts to advance the status and understanding of the profession of dietetics.
  7. Be an inspiration to members by encouraging them to contribute actively to the association and to grow in knowledge and service.
  8. Be successful in developing programs and working with supportive personnel.
  9. Have contributed to the field with significant publications, original works, media presentations and speaking engagements, and/or other work to enhance the profession and improve on the well-being of the population.
  10. Has affiliation, consultation, advisory and/or advocacy efforts with colleagues and allied health professionals.
  11. Be respected and recognized by colleagues, health professionals, and social services professionals, and/or health organizations.
  12. Promote and supports nutrition services and programs in all areas of practice to enhance the profession and its membership.
  13. Has shown outstanding/exceptional leadership and service.
  14. Have received the Keystone Award from the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Please click here to access the application.

Keystone Award

The purpose of the Keystone Award is to give recognition to the Pennsylvania dietitian/s who have, through leadership ability, demonstrated exemplary professional standards to serve and advance the aims of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  This award is presented to a maximum of two members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics each year.

Nomination Deadline: January 15th, 2023

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Be a registered dietitian and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for 10 years or longer.
  2. Current member of and have contributed to the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics through active participation and service at the state and district level and have provided support in exceptional ways.
  3. Have demonstrated leadership and professional ability.
  4. Be dedicated to the high standards of the profession.
  5. Have initiated efforts to advance the status of the profession.
  6. Have participated in activities to improve the states of human beings.
  7. Have community service and/or outreach activities.
  8. Perform in areas of consultation or advisory work with allied professions.
  9. Be recognized by colleagues and/or related organizations.
  10. Be published/original works.
  11. Not have been selected previously for a higher award.

Please click here to access the application.

2023 Impact IDEA Leadership Award 

The Impact IDEA Leadership Award is an award directly recognizing a PAND member who has been engaging the community with diversity and inclusion as the central solution instead of an afterthought. This award is open to those undergoing or entering a dietetic internship (DI), graduate education, and/or a working professional. All candidates must have at least 2 years of working experience directly impacting diversity and inclusion. This individual has demonstrated exemplary professional and innovative standards for the nutrition and dietetic field through clinical execution, community partnership, advocacy, and/or entrepreneurship. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge the grit and passion for elevating marginalized communities in the field of nutrition and dietetics. *For undergraduate students interested in applying for an IDEA award, please see the Diversity Scholarship funded by PANDF here. Note that the Diversity scholarship has a different application process than the Impact IDEA Leadership Award.

 

NOTE: While this is an award specifically for advancing the diversity and inclusion initiative in PAND’s dietetic community, we are not requiring the applicant to be a BIPOC individual. While a BIPOC candidate may have weighted preference, we encourage all professionals who meet the criteria to apply. We want to recognize BIPOC individuals, but also to integrate both communities together so that the IDEA task force will no longer be an initiative, but a central part of PAND in the years to come. 

Nomination Deadline: Waived for 2023  

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023 

Criteria:

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 
  2. Graduate student and/or working professional
  3. At least 2 years of experience in nutrition related field–preferred RD, DTR credential but is open to PAND members who work in the following (please specify area of experience in application):
    1. Public health nutrition, examples include community nutrition outreach, local and federal nutrition initiatives SNAP, WIC, etc., maternal and child health nutrition, and nutrition related policies
    2. Clinical nutrition examples include inpatient and outpatient nutrition counseling impacting minority health populations
    3. Nutrition research, examples include nutrition program implementation and evaluation, clinical nutrition research related to social determinants of health (how does your clinical nutrition research impact lower social economic status communities and/or how does lower social economic status impact quality of nutrition), and novel nutrition discoveries related to diversity and inclusion 
    4. Nutrition-related academics, examples include a professor teaching nutrition in the lens of social determinants of health or credentialed RD teaching a course related to minority health/research
  4. Demonstrated leadership in a diversity and inclusion related field, e.g., in legislation, research, education, management, etc., in the Association, community, or employment 
  5. Personal impact on why IDEA matters to the individual

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics defines IDEA as:

 “The Academy encourages inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) by striving to recognize, respect and include differences in ability, age, creed, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, size, and socioeconomic characteristics in the nutrition and dietetics profession.”

Click here for more information.

Emerging Dietetic Leader Award  

The Emerging Dietetics Leader Award recognizes the competence and activities of members, regardless of their age, who are at the beginning of their dietetics careers.

Nomination Deadline: January 15th, 2023

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  2. Initial practice experience not less than 5 years and not greater than 10 years. Interrupted careers or time periods not in practice, are not to be considered or rationed into the 5-10 years of professional practice experience.
  3. Active participation in the national, state, or district association for at least 5 years.
  4. Is a Registered Dietitian, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Dietetic Technician, Registered or Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered
  5. Not previously selected as an RYDY or RDTY in your current or any other affiliate.
  6. Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population.
  7. Demonstrated leadership, e.g., in legislation, research, education, management, etc., in the Association, community or employment.

Please click here to access the application.

Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award

The purpose of the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year program is to recognize the competence and activities of younger dietitians in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and to encourage their continued participation in Academy affairs.

Nomination Deadline: January 15th, 2023

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  2. Age limit as of May 1 deadline, 35 years or younger.
  3. Active participation in the national, state, or district association.
  4. Is a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
  5. Not previously selected as an RYDY in current or any other affiliate.
  6. Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population.
  7. Demonstrated leadership, e.g., in legislation, research, education, management, etc., either in the Association or employment.

Please click here to access the application.

Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year Award

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes the professional contributions of dietetic technicians and encourages their continued participation in the community and Academy activities

Nomination Deadline: January 15th, 2023

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  2. Is a Dietetic Technician, Registered.
  3. Active participation in national, affiliate, or district association.
  4. Not previously selected for this award in current or any other affiliate.
  5. Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population.
  6. Demonstrated leadership, e.g., legislation, research, education, clinical dietetics, food service management, public relations, career guidance, etc., in the association or employment.

Please click here to access the application.

Outstanding Dietetics Student Award

The Outstanding Dietetics Student Award program recognizes the emerging leadership and achievement of students in ACEND-accredited and approved dietetics education programs and encourages their participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Nomination Deadline: January 15th, 2023

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students must be members by January 1st of the year in which they would receive the award. Students must supply their membership number; membership identification numbers will not be provided to a third party (i.e., educators).
  2. Student enrolled in ACEND-accredited dietetics education program (CP, DI, DPD, DT, FEM, IDE/FDE).
  3. Demonstrated academic achievement as documented by letters from program faculty or preceptor.
  4. Demonstrated leadership and professional potential, e.g., honors, student dietetic association activities, community service activities, etc.

Please click here to access the application.

Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award (ODEA)

The award recognizes the exceptional teaching, mentoring and leadership activities of faculty in ACEND-accredited dietetics education programs.

Application Deadline: January 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  2. Member of the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors Group
  3. Educator and/or Program Director in an ACEND®-accredited dietetics education program:
    1. Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP)
    2. Dietetic Internship (DI)
    3. Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
    4. Dietetic Technician Program (DT)
    5. Future Education Model (FEM)
  4. Demonstrated Active Learning Strategy/ Student-centered Techniques
  5. Demonstrated Dietetics Mentoring Experience (Outside of role as faculty or director-not including current students/interns. Includes previous students/interns now considered professionals)
  6. Demonstrated leadership in Education and Dietetics; e.g., national, state, or district dietetic association activities, community service, honors received, scientific and professional presentations, publications, etc.

Note: There are 2 levels for the ODEA, application for PAND ODEA award does not preclude National submission

State Level – awarded at the PA Academy Annual AME for educators selected from each of the four program types in is Pennsylvania.

National Level – awarded at the NDEP area meetings for educators

Note:

Please click here to access the application.

Outstanding Preceptor Awards (OPA)

Recognizes the exceptional teaching, mentoring, and leadership activities of preceptors in ACEND®-accredited dietetics education programs.

*Preceptor cannot self-nominate

Application Deadline: January 1st, 2023

Criteria:

  1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  1. Preceptor in an ACEND®-accredited supervised practice program (CP, DI, DT, ISPP, or FEM program).

Note: There are 2 levels for the OPA, application for PAND OPA award does not preclude National submission

State Level – awarded at the PA Academy Annual AME for a preceptor selected in Pennsylvania.

National Level – awarded at the NDEP area meetings for educators

Please click here to access the application.

PA Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Foundation

Scholarships & Grants

Each year it is the privilege of the PA Academy Foundation (PANDF) to review applications from RDNs, NDTRs and students throughout the state who qualify for the various scholarships and grants. Please complete the application and submit to: PANDFoundation@gmail.com

Instruction: Click the title of each award to be linked to its application.

THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS FOUNDATION

Kathryn Oliverio Bishirjian Grant Application

 

This grant is made possible by the family, colleagues, and friends of Kathryn Oliverio Bishirjian in memory of her numerous contributions and profound dedication to the profession of dietetics.

KATHRYN OLIVERIO BISHIRJIAN, MS, RD, LDN

  • Kay possessed deep faith, profound integrity, a thirst for knowledge, genuine warmth, and exemplary character. She volunteered prolifically in her church, community, school district, professional associations, and in health and dietetics-related activities.  Her competence and grace were ever present. 
  • The last 26 years of her career was served in the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging, which culminated in her appointment as Bureau Chief. Her responsibilities included Senior Center Services, particularly the nutrition and health programs.  Prior positions included:  extension agent; hospital dietitian; home economist; school food service; higher education; and nursing home consultant.  She often demonstrated healthy cooking and eating on air and for public events.  Kay authored many articles and publications on nutrition and healthy aging and was a mentor for students and professionals. 
  • Her leadership and service included: President of the Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania Dietetic Associations (PADA); Delegate to the American Dietetic Association (organizations now designated as Academies of Nutrition and Dietetics); Chair of the Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group (DPG); and contributing member of committees, councils and advisory boards.   Kay was honored with the PADA Outstanding Dietitian and Keystone Awards; the Academy’s Medallion Award; and with the Distinguished Member Award of the Healthy Aging DPG.  The Allegheny County Board of Commissioners recognized her with a Certificate of Achievement in Outstanding Public Service, the first registered dietitian to be so honored.

Included in the application:

  1. Application form (including all components)
  2. Director of program letter of recommendation/endorsement (sent electronically separately)  

TYPE OF FUND: Endowed Grant

AMOUNT: $400.00 to be used exclusively for purchase of The Academy practice examination and preparation study guide, eatrightPREP for the RDN Exam, https://www.eatrightstore.org/product-type/subscriptions/eatrightprep

AWARDED: Five grants are awarded annually by the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (PADAF) and funded by the Kathryn Oliverio Bishirjian Grant Fund if fiscally feasible.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2023 (grant to be used within a year of application).

PURPOSE: To provide a grant to a qualified student member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who wishes to become eligible for registration by providing funds to help support studying for the RDN credential.   

CRITERIA AND RESTRICTIONS FOR USE OF THE FUND:

  1. Must be a current member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and complete the following criteria:
  2. Provide verification of enrollment in a a dietetic internship program, and/or master’s degree program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which is authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Education.
  3. Submit the Kathryn Oliverio Bishirjian Grant application by March 1, 2023, which includes:
  • Name and contact information of institution/program.
  • Name and contact information of director during your enrollment. 
  • Application form includes a 150-word essay of goals, dietetic/nutrition field of interest, reflection on value of the practical experiences provided within the internship/master’s program and state how the grant would benefit the applicant to become a registered and licensed dietitian.
  • Agree to return the monies to the Foundation in the event that they do not use the grant to take the registration exam during the current year. 
  1. Endorsement by Dietetic Internship Director or Director of master’s degree program:
  • The qualified applicant is required to ask the director to complete and submit the completed Endorsement Form to the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (PANDF@gmail.com) electronically by March 1, 2023.
  • The director should convey and verify to the applicant that their endorsement form was submitted to the Foundation by the required date.

General Scholarship

Deadline: January 17, 2023

Description: To provide a scholarship to a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who is registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or student who wishes to become eligible for the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential.

Diversity Scholarship

Deadline: January 17, 2023

Description: To provide a scholarship to a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who is registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or student who wishes to become eligible for the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential.

Diversity Grant

Deadline: Rolling Application

Description: Community Relations Grants are awarded to support PA Academy members holding events or activites that promote the nutrition and dietetics profession to students and professionals from underrepresented groups. Please complete the application and submit to: PANDFoundation@gmail.com

Community Relations Grant

Deadline: Rolling Application

Description: Community Relations Grants are awarded to support PA Academy members holding events that: (1) promote PA Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and/or the Foundation OR (2) promote the role of RDNs and/or NDTRs within the community. A proposal may be funded up to $ 500. Applications will close when the funds. are exhausted.
Applicants may apply only once during a fiscal year.

Stipend for Specialty Area Conference

Deadline: January 30, 2023

Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (PANDF)

2022-2023 Stipend for Specialty Area Conference Attendance: $1,000

Send name, Academy membership number and email address to PandFoundation@gmail.com

Deadline to Complete the Activity: May 31, 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of the stipend is to support members’ attendance at a specialty area conference for professional development. The stipend covers the cost of registration, travel and food up to $1,000. The winner is selected using a random raffle system.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Current Academy membership
  2. Current PA Academy membership
  3. Applicant has not received a PA Academy stipend in the past 2 years.
  4. Applicant can apply for more than one stipend but cannot receive more than one.
  5. PA Academy elected board members are not eligible during their term of office.
  6. Appointed positions are eligible.

Deadline: Complete the learning activity by May 31, 2023 and submit the necessary papers within two weeks after the event. (See Post-Event Requirements)

Post-Event Requirements of Stipend Recipients:

Please submit the following information within two weeks after the event -

  1. Proof of completion (i.e. certificate, name badge, CEUs)
  2. Reimbursement form with appropriate receipts
  3. A brief current bio, headshot, and consent to publish a brief report highlighting your top three take-home messages from your experience for the PA Academy newsletter.

Please note:

  1. All the above requirements should be submitted per deadline to receive reimbursement.
  2. Stipends are considered a source of income and must be reported on your annual tax return.

By applying, you agree to the requirements of the stipend.

Stipend for Specialty Area Training - Advanced Skills

Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (PANDF)

2022-2023 Stipend for Specialty Area Advanced Skills Training: Up to $200 each

Deadline: January 30, 2023

Send name, Academy membership number and email address to PandFoundation@gmail.com

Deadline to Complete the Activity: May 31, 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of the stipend is to support members’ completion of specialty training programs to advance their skills in an area they want for professional development. The stipend covers the cost of the educational/learning activity up to $200. The PA Academy has given the Foundation $2,000 for this funding area. This amount will support ten members. The results will be amplified when recipients apply the knowledge and skills they have gained in their practice areas. The winner is selected using a random raffle system.

Certificate of Training Programs, courses, self-studies and other CDR-approved learning activities are available in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, ASPEN, and other providers such as Kelly Skills, Helm Publishing, Nutrition Dimension/Continuing Education.Com, Dietitian 360 and several others. Most of the activities are in modules and are online.

Deadline:

Complete the learning activity by May 31, 2023 and submit the necessary papers within two weeks after the event. (See Post-Event Requirements)

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Current Academy membership
  2. Current PA Academy membership
  3. Applicant has not received a PA Academy stipend in past 2 years.
  4. Applicant can apply for more than one stipend but cannot receive more than one.
  5. PA Academy elected board members are not eligible during their term of office.
  6. Appointed positions are eligible.

Post-Event Requirements of Stipend Recipients:

Please submit the following information within two weeks after the event:

  1. Proof of completion (i.e. certificate, name badge, CEUs)
  2. Reimbursement form with appropriate receipts
  3. A brief current bio, headshot, and consent to publish a brief report highlighting your top three take-home messages from your experience for the PA Academy newsletter.

 Please note:

  1. All the above requirements should be submitted per deadline to receive reimbursement.
  2. Stipends are considered a source of income and must be reported on your annual tax return.

By applying, you agree to the requirements of the stipend.

Stipend for AME attendance

Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (PANDF)

2023 Stipend for 2023 AME Attendance: $500

Deadline: January 30, 2023

Send name, Academy membership number and email address to PandFoundation@gmail.com

Purpose:

The purpose of the stipend is to support members’ attendance at the 2022 AME for professional development. The stipend covers the cost of registration, travel, and food up to $500. The PA Academy has given the Foundation funding for this area.  This amount will support several members’ attendance at the in-person 2023 AME.

The winner is selected using a random raffle system.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Current Academy membership
  2. Current PAND membership
  3. Applicant has not received a PA Academy stipend in past 2 years.
  4. Applicant can apply for more than one stipend but cannot receive more than one.
  5. PA Academy elected board members are not eligible during their term of office.
  6. Appointed positions are eligible.

Deadline:

Attend the 2032 AME and submit the necessary papers within two weeks after the event. (See Post-Event Requirements)

Post-Event Requirements of Stipend Recipients:

Please submit the following information within two weeks after the event:

  1. Proof of completion (i.e. certificate, name badge, CEUs)
  2. Reimbursement form with appropriate receipts
  3. A brief current bio, headshot, and consent to publish a brief report highlighting your top three take-home messages from your experience for the PA Academy newsletter.

 Please note:

  1. All the above requirements should be submitted per deadline to receive reimbursement.
  2. Stipends are considered a source of income and must be reported on your annual tax return.

By applying, you agree to the requirements of the stipend.

Student Stipend AME

Deadline: January 23, 2022

Description: The stipend supports student members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who attend the Annual Meeting and Exhibition (AME)

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Awards

PAND has had many past members receive these national awards. The state association or a dietetic practice groups helps the applicant. Please notify the PAND nominating committee if you are applying for these awards.

Medallion Award

Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Award

Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Foundation (ANDF)

Scholarships

ANDF Scholarships require membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Pennsylvania Academy contributes funds to ANDF for two endowed scholarships, both of which require PA state residency. Learn more about the scholarships and application process by clicking on the links below:

Updated January 13, 2022