Junior Nutrition Academy
*THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING BUT WILL RESUME IN FALL SEMESTER*
What is Junior Nutrition Academy?
The Junior Nutrition Academy (JNA) offers a unique opportunity for pre-dietetics students and other passionate advocates of healthy living to engage with children in the Provo School District. By teaching fun, interactive nutrition lessons during the lunch hour, these students help foster a love for healthy eating among young learners. The JNA program not only enhances children's understanding of nutrition but also allows the student instructors to gain valuable hands-on experience in educational outreach and community health promotion. Through this initiative, JNA aims to create a lasting impact on the well-being of the children and inspire future generations to prioritize healthy lifestyles.
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How do I get involved?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Description: Volunteers will attend local elementary schools to teach about nutrition and participate in arts and crafts.
Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers who join JNA must commit to at least one semester of teaching. Lessons are taught for 8 weeks beginning in the second month of each semester.
Step 1:
Volunteers will be accepted at the beginning of Fall and Winter Semesters. To get involved, email us at byujna@byu.edu to express your interest. If you wish to join later in the semester, email us or text one of the leaders for additional volunteer opportunities within the program. During the semester, we should respond to you within 2-3 days. We will reply to emails received during Spring and Summer Terms toward the beginning of Fall Semester.
Step 2:
Please complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with the children.
BECOME A LEADER
Volunteer Leader Description: There are two kinds of leadership positions: Executive Director and Program Director. A program only has one Executive Director, but multiple program directors. Leaders are generally responsible for overseeing recruitment, retention, and reflection with volunteers. They also coordinate service with community partners and ensure their program runs smoothly. Volunteer leaders may also share the responsibilities of volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Description. For more information, visit our section called Be a Leader!
Volunteer Leader Commitment: In addition to volunteering, Volunteer leaders commit to a 1-hour monthly team meeting to discuss needs and make plans for the program.
STEP 1:
Apply to become a leader by completing one of the applications below:
My favorite part of my experience in this program is the relationships I get to make with others. I love getting to know the elementary school children over the course of the semester. They love to learn, and our lessons really do make an impact on them. It is hard to leave the last day because you have learned to love the kids so much and they love having us there!
Whenever I'd be teaching the kids at schools, the best part was hearing them make connections. We teach them about nutrition and they tell us how they will apply what they've learned. They want to try to be healthy and that makes me want to continue serving.