Progress 08/15/03 to 08/14/08

Outputs
Two students completed the 'Multicultural Scholars in Nutrition Program' at the University of the Incarnate Word. One student received a four -year scholarship the other was a transfer student who received a two-year scholarship. Scholars received a total of $27,000 in USDA scholarship funds and $61429.20 in schlarship funds from UIW. One scholar was female the other male. One scholar was Caucasian the other scholar was African-American. Both scholars have entered doctoral programs (physical therapy and naturopathic medicine). They both plan to use their food and nutrition background to aid them in their professional practice. Both scholars were leaders serving as examples to other students by serving as academic leader and in the student dietetic association serving as Student Government Representative, Student Dietetic Association President, and Student Dietetic Association Treasurer. Both scholars stated that the financial help was invaluable in helping them to achieve academic success while being more fully involved in campus life. Only one scholar wanted to have a mentor from the food and nutrition community. This student was placed with a male dietitian involved in a diabetes intervention research study who had an extensive culinary background which matched the scholar's culinary interests and training. This scholar talked to the mentor on the phone discussed the research project and the process for site clearance needed. The scholar expressed excitement; however, he was still working and did not follow through on visiting the mentor. The scholar then changed his career goals the next semester so did not want a food and nutrition mentor. The ability to fund a tutor through the program was invaluable to one scholar's success in Organic Chemistry I & II. The following experiential learning occurred: 1) Scholars were advised by the nutrition faculty. Scholars met with the program director as needed during the semester. These meetings would range from two to six times per semester depending on the concerns and needs of the scholar. Though both scholars chose not to pursue a career in food and nutrition they both chose to complete the didactic program in dietetics. 2) Unfortunately the campus-wide nutrition promotion program, Right Bite, was eliminated after 2003. Therefore, scholars were encouraged to become involved in the Student Dietetic Association. 3) Each scholar completed 60 community service hours. 4) One scholar completed 60 hours of experiential learningin Nutrition Practicum at a long-term care facility learning about clinical dietetics and food service management. The preceptor rated the scholar as outstanding. In addition the scholar completed a group project in nutrition/wellness promotion on campus. The other student chose to take the Food Recovery and Gleaning class in which laboratory hours are spent at the San Antonio Food Bank completing a variety of tasks and projects. 5) Each student started a career development portfolio in the Introduction to Dietetics course and completed it before graduation. PRODUCTS: Two students received USDA Multicultural Scholars scholarships in the amount of $27,000. Tutoring was provided in the amount of $481.97. Scholars received a total of $61429.20 in scholarships from UIW. A list of mentors for UIW nutrition students was developed. OUTCOMES: Two scholarships were awarded. One scholar received four-year scholarship; another scholar received a two-year scholarship. 100 % of scholars successfully complete academic requirements for professional schools. One is enrolled in a nauropathic doctoral program and the other is enrolled in a physical therapy program. 50 % of scholars took advantage of tutoring program to assist in chemistry classes. 100 % of scholars completed community service activities and experential practice at off-school locations. 100 % of scholars completed professional development portfolios. 100% of scholars were involved in campus activities. 100 % of scholars received at least one academic award while at UIW. Neither scholar established a ongoing relationship with a mentor as they both decided to pursue other health related careers. Unfortunately only two scholars were chosen to participate in the program. The program director thought that the program would be judged by students not successfully completing their degree and not entering a dietetic internship or graduate school so chose to be very selective. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: No disseminatation activities were conducted. FUTURE INITIATIVES: In the Introduction to Dietetics course students will be encouraged to volunteer with community agencies and seek mentors in dietetics outside of formal precepting. In addition, the importance of seeking help outside of class(if needed) from tutors will be emphasized. 'Multicultural Scholars' will be followed as part of ongoing evaluation of graduates.

Impacts
100% of scholars pursued professional doctorate degrees. This impact was unexpected as the scholars chose to pursue non food and nutrition practice doctoral programs. The scholarships allowed them to be more active in campus life. This resulted in one scholar providing continuous enthusiastic leadership that led to a revitalization of the Student Dietetic Association. There has been four years of strong leadership from students with a wide range of interests, backgrounds and strengths.

Publications

• No publications reported this period