California Nutrition Corps Scholarships

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CNC Scholarship Fund

The California Nutrition Corps is a scholarship fund supporting California WIC employees advancing their careers in WIC. Its vision is to nurture talented, dedicated individuals essential to WIC’s success.

Frontline WIC staff, often WIC graduates themselves, require affordable, convenient, and achievable educational and professional training opportunities.

How to Qualify

  • Applicants may apply once per category.
  • Applicants must be currently employed in a WIC program.
  • Applicants must have been employed in a WIC program with at least 6 months of continuous employment at the time of application.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in a dietetic internship, undergraduate, or graduate program.

How to Apply

Complete the online application form and upload:

  • Essay 500-1000 words entitled “My Professional Nutrition/WIC Career Goals”
  • Financial Budget Worksheet and Needs Statement
  • Certificate of Undergraduate/Graduate academic registration or enrollment in Dietetic Internship
  • Completed Recommendation Form from University or Dietetic Internship
  • Completed Recommendation Form from WIC Program Employer
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Applications

Timeline for 2025-2026 Academic Year

  • November 17, 2025: Scholarship Applications Available
  • January 19, 2026: Completed Applications Submitted by 5:00pm PDT
  • March 13, 2026: Awardees Notified
  • Questions? Contact Lena Workman

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients

Dietetic Interns:

Patricia Calvillo Fresno County EOC  
Yesenia Salazar PHFE WIC  
Samantha Ramirez Northeast Valley Health Corp.  
Teresa Castrejon S.D.S.U. Foundation  
Marina Perez PHFE WIC  

 

Graduate Students:

Cynthis Gonzalez United Health Cntrs. of San Joaquin  
Maria Del Socorro Alva PHFE WIC  
Johanna Flores PHFE WIC  
Josenoe Vargas The Lundquist Institute  
Nadine Beaini Antelope Valley  
Han Chang PHFE WIC  
Visetana Ong Northeast Valley Health Corp.  

 

Undergraduate Student:

Stephanie Bolanos The Lundquist Institute  
Christina Bucaro PHFE WIC  
Faith Moore Humboldt County  

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of this scholarship. Thank you for your generosity and for investing in my education and future. This scholarship means so much to me. It not only helps ease the financial burden of my studies but also motivates me to continue working hard toward my goals. As I pursue my path in Maternal and Child Nutrition, I am passionate about making a meaningful impact, especially in supporting families and improving health outcomes in my community. Knowing that others believe in my potential is incredibly encouraging. Your support inspires me to stay committed, give back, and one day help others in the same way. Thank you again for this opportunity and for making a difference in my journey.”

Maria Del Socorro Alva, PHFE WIC

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“Receiving the CNC Scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me as it supports my goal of advancing in WIC and becoming an IBCLC to better serve mothers and infants. As someone who has seen the impact of WIC firsthand, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, high quality nutrition and breastfeeding support to families. This scholarship is not only an investment in my education, but in the communities I serve. It allows me to continue growing professionally and contribute more meaningfully to WIC’s mission. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to give back and support families in achieving healthier futures.”

Stephanie Bolanos, The Lundquist Institute

Congrats CNC Scholar!

Christina Bucaro, PHFE WIC

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“I am truly grateful to receive this scholarship. As I continue working toward becoming a registered dietitian, this support means a great deal to me. It not only helps ease the financial demands of my education, but also motivates me to stay committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities I serve.”

Patricia Calvillo, Fresno County EOC

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“To me, this scholarship means having the immense privilege to continue towards my goal of becoming a registered dietitian.”

Teresa Castrejon, S.D.S.U. Foundation

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“Thank you so much for taking the time to review my application and review my statement to why I believe this scholarship will help me continue striving for my education/career future.”

Johanna Flores, PHFE

Congrats CNC Scholar!

Cynthia Gonzalez,  United Health Cntrs. of San Joaquin

Congrats CNC Scholar!

Faith Moore, Humboldt County

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“I am incredibly grateful for the CNC scholarship, as it has been monumental in supporting my academics as a dietetic intern.”

Visetana Ong, Northeast Valley Health Corp.

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“This scholarship means a lot to me as it supports my career goals and helps me continue my education while working in WIC. It gives me the chance to keep growing as a nutrition professional and better support the families we serve. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

Marina Perez, PHFE WIC

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“As a former WIC recipient who benefited alongside my six siblings, l am proud to represent a success story shaped by the support of this program. Today, I have achieved stability and view this as a full-circle moment to give back to the community that once supported my family and I. I am deeply passionate and committed to serving individuals and families who hold a special place in my heart, as I see my own journey reflected in theirs. My goal is to use my experiences to uplift others and make a meaningful impact.”

Samantha Ramirez, Northeast Valley Health Corp WIC

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“Receiving this scholarship is deeply meaningful to me because it provides much needed financial relief during a time of significant hardship…This scholarship will allow me to cover necessary educational and living costs while continuing to work toward my goals without taking on additional debt. I am sincerely grateful for this award! Your support not only helps me financially but also reassures me that my efforts and determination are seen and valued. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in my ability to continue forward in my career in dietetics.”

– Yesenia Salazar, PHFE WIC

Congrats CNC Scholar!

“I am honored to be selected as a recipient of the California Nutrition Corps Scholarship. This will continue to be support and strengthen my commitment to serving WIC families across South Los Angeles and California. My goal is to continue innovating the WIC program through Lundquist and continue to advance access, improve outcomes and make a positive impact to the communities we serve every day.”

Josenoe Vargas, The Lundquist Institute