Scholarships & Awards

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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.

2024-2025 PAND Nominating Committee

Chair/West: Melissa Kline: pandnominating@gmail.com

East: Marsha Reeves

Central: Gabriella Balla

 

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).

 

See below for the criteria and deadlines for each award.
 
To nominate yourself or a colleague for an award, follow the steps below: 
 
1.Complete the Nomination Form for yourself or a colleague
 
2. The Nominating Committee will review your nomination for approval. The committee will contact you (the nominator) upon a decision and will send the Award Application to the nominee if the nominee is approved.
 
* ALL Nominees must be a member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (make sure this is noted as your Affiliate in your MyAcademy page).

 

Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award (ODEA)

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

Nomination Dates: November 17, 2024

Application Due Date: December 15, 2024

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: Application will be sent after nomination is approved by Nominating Committee.

 

Outstanding Preceptor Awards (OPA)

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

*A preceptor cannot self-nominate

Nomination Dates: November 17, 2024

Application Due Date: December 15, 2024

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

Note: Self-nomination is not acceptable for this award. Application will be sent after nomination is approved by the Nominating Committee.

 

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 10, 2025

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

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.

Note: Application will be sent after nomination is approved by the Nominating Committee.

 

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 10, 2025

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

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.

Note: Application will be sent after nomination is approved by the Nominating Committee.

 

2025 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: January 10, 2025

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

Criteria:

1. A member of the Academy for a minimum of 5 years.
2. Has demonstrated excellence in innovation, creativity and leadership in the promotion of IDEA.
3. Has exhibited exceptional performance in IDEA promotion as a change agent and thought leader.
4. Has made significant contributions to the achievement of IDEA.
5. Has held inspiring leadership roles in nutrition and other health-related organizations.

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.”

Note: Three sections for scoring including: Exceptional performance in inclusion, diversity, equity, access, Contributions to
the achievement of IDEA, and Leadership achievements in nutrition and other health-focused organizations.


Application will be sent after nomination is approved by Nominating Committee.

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 10, 2025

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

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.

Note: Application will be sent after nomination is approved by the Nomination Committee.

 

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 10, 2025

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

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.

Note: Application will be sent after nomination is approved by the Nomination Committee.

 

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 10, 2025

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

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.

Note: Application will be sent after nomination is approved by the Nomination Committee.

 

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 10, 2025

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

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.

Note: Application will be sent after nomination is approved by the Nomination Committee.

 

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

THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS FOUNDATION

Scholarship Application CLICK HERE 

 

TYPE OF FUND: Restricted Scholarship Fund

AMOUNT: $750.00

AWARDED: Two scholarships are awarded (2025) by the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (PANDF). The mission of the Foundation is to promote health through nutrition education and research for the public and the dietetic practitioner.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 20, 2025

PURPOSE: 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.

Note: For criteria, restrictions and details concerning this scholarship, please click the live link above. Thank you. Email pandfoundation@gmail.com with any questions.

 

 

Kathryn Oliverio Bishirjian Grant

     

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. 

  • 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 enrollment (enrollment only not to include a recommendation).  

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 31, 2025 (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/applying 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 31, 2025, which includes: 
    1. Name and contact information of institution/program.
    2. Name and contact information of director during your enrollment. 
    3. 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.
    4. 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. Letter by Dietetic Internship Director or Director of master’s degree program, indicating enrollment.
    1. The qualified applicant is required to ask the director to complete and submit a completed letter on official letterhead indicating the intern is enrolled in an internship program (not a recommendation) to the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (PANDF@gmail.com) electronically by March 31, 2025.
    2. The director should convey and verify to the applicant that their endorsement form was submitted to the Foundation by the required date.

 

Scholarship Application: Click here!

 

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: