In fall 2008 the SNA School Nutrition Specialist Internship Program was launched. Developed by SNA's Research Committee and Association staff, the school nutrition-dedicated internship program provides college level students with the training and opportunities necessary to pursue a top-level career in the dynamic school nutrition field.
The School Nutrition Specialist Internship Program is designed to prepare interns to assume a district-level supervisory position in school nutrition. It will do so by:
- helping them to develop the skills to understand and assess the nutritional needs of diverse populations, especially school aged children who are considered at-risk and of families with limited income;
- providing an environment in which they can appreciate and perform the variety of tasks required for operating a successful school meal program;
- aiding them in learning to communicate effectively in interactions with other professionals and stakeholders; and
- providing them with the comprehensive experience to sit for the SNS credentialing exam.
The program is open to students who have completed a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as dietetics, hospitality or foodservice management.
The School Nutrition Specialist Internship Program is being pilot-tested during 2008-2009 by Texas Woman's University (TWU) and the Child Nutrition Service department of Dallas Independent School District. Mesa Unified School District in the Phoenix, Arizona area has also been approved as a pilot site.
For more information download the SNS Internship Program flier.
For details on applying to participate as a host site during the 2009-2010 school year, contact the SNA Service Center at 800-877-8822 or servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org