CECHE’s Scholarship Program at UDC Delivers Desired Results

Aimed at stimulating student enrollment and retention, CECHE’s Nutrition Scholarship Program at the University of the District of Columbia has done both over the past four years. The university’s Nutrition and Food Science Program has seen a 62 percent increase in enrollment since the scholarships were introduced in 2001, from 19 to 49 students (see graph), and an equally impressive increase in retention. To date, 22 UDC nutrition and dietetics majors have received scholarships as part of the CECHE initiative.

In addition, in 2004, the scholarship program facilitated the awarding of a 10-year accreditation to the Nutrition and Food Science Program by the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education. In response, UDC’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences anticipates starting an internship cum master’s program in nutrition and dietetics (with emphasis on public policy, communication and clinical experience) to comply with the recommendations of the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s task force, which requires a graduate degree to become a registered dietitian. Meanwhile, UDC looks forward to maintaining the momentum generated by the scholarship program and its promise of professional challenge and financial assistance.

2004-2005 Scholarship Recipients

Beth C. Burchard: Recruited to UDC’s Nutrition and Food Science baccalaureate program in 2003, Ms. Burchard’s long-term goal is to work as a registered dietitian in the Washington, D.C. area. In view of the nationwide epidemic of overweight, she hopes to focus her practice on weight management, physical fitness and diet- and lifestyle-related illnesses.

Mercedes M. Laudano: A part-time student with the Nutrition and Food Science Program since 2003, Ms. Laudano aims to work as a dietitian, conducting research as well as servicing clients in the field of developmental disabilities.

Christine A. Hanson: Ms. Hanson joined the Nutrition and Food Science Program in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in health and fitness management. She is a certified nutrition specialist and a personal trainer. Her desire to pursue a second bachelor’s degree is driven by her dream of starting a private practice in personal training and weight loss management.

Denise Lyn Tyree: Ms. Tyree joined the Nutrition and Food Science Program in 2003. She intends to pursue a dietetic internship and a graduate degree in public health after her graduation in 2006. Her long-term goal is to work as a health inspector to set occupational standards for food safety and to educate the public about proper food handling and food safety.

Shanette D. Jenkins: A part-time student in the Nutrition and Food Science Program since 1999, Ms. Jenkins expects to graduate in 2007 to pursue a career as a nutritionist with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Food and Drug Administration.

Rebecca J. Salus: A 2003 scholar, Ms. Salus was also awarded a 2004-05 scholarship to enable her to participate in the American Dietetic Association’s 2nd Annual Leadership Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla. One of 400 member leaders selected out of 70,000 for this integrated, intensive, multi-format certificate-training program, she expects to strengthen her leadership skills, especially as a member of UDC’s Nutrition Club, which she hopes to help transform into a “Student Dietetic Association.”

Constance Addai-poku: Ms. Addai-poku has been with the Nutrition and Food Science Program since 1999 and plans to graduate in spring 2006. Her goal is to work as a food inspector at USDA or the District of Columbia Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

Prema Ganganna, Ph.D., Director, DPD Program
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
University of the District of Columbia