ENL Training Institute

What an exciting time for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and public health nutrition – a time of great challenges and opportunities! Our health care system is transitioning from one that focuses on sick care to one that is more prevention oriented; a system where nutrition services will play a pivotal role. This is occurring at a time when a large number of nutrition leaders will be retiring and leaving the workforce. The future success of public health/MCH nutrition services depends on identifying and training emerging leaders, so that they are positioned to assume the forthcoming leadership roles.

The Emerging Nutrition Leaders in MCH Training Institute (ENL) is a year-long program designed to train future nutrition leaders in the area of MCH public health nutrition. There is no cost to participate in the Institute which is made possible by a joint collaborative effort of MCH Nutrition Training Programs at Tulane University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Minnesota, and the University of Tennessee, with funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

The Institute is a 10 month virtual program with a 3-5 hour monthly commitment. The 2025-2026 cohort will kick-off with a virtual meeting in July (date pending participant availability). There is no registration fee for the Emerging Nutrition Leaders in MCH Training Institute. Upon completion, participants will be awarded a certificate and continuing professional education units pending approval by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

The first phase of the Institute will consist of a leadership assessment, readings, videos, and participation in monthly conference calls which will focus on leadership skill development, centered on the MCH Leadership Competencies. In the second phase of the Institute, participants will reflect on what they have learned and apply skills, including a project (past participants have created public policy briefs). Five months of individualized coaching will be provided to participants. Faculty will be available throughout the Institute to continue building the nutritionist’s leadership skills, provide guidance and mentoring.

To be eligible to apply for the Emerging Nutrition Leaders in MCH Training Institute, participants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be identified as an emerging nutrition leader, which is defined as someone who has been employed as a community/public health nutritionist for not less than three and not more than ten years;
  • Be a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, or a Licensed/Certified Nutritionist/Dietitian;
  • Work in the area of MCH public health nutrition within a state or local public health agency or a community based organization;
  • Demonstrate leadership at work, within a professional organization or in the community;
  • Have Internet access;
  • Be CERTAIN of availability to participate in the Institute for the entire 10 months, from July 2025 to April 2026**;
  • Be willing to commit to a virtual meeting in July 2025 and approximately 4 hours a month for Institute activities, which will include readings, monthly coaching and conference calls, completion of an MCH nutrition project, and other activities as determined by the cohort; and
  • Have supervisor/agency support for participation.

To apply, please submit the following information:

  • Submit Application Form. This form includes resume upload.
  • Submit Supervisor Support Form. This form is to be completed by your supervisor. It can be completed online or printed and submitted via email to Heidi Church, MS, RD, LD, ENL Administrative Coordinator (HeidiRD@gmail.com).

**Needing to drop off from the Institute for emergent situations may be unavoidable at times; however, if you are not certain of your availability during this entire period of time, we encourage you to refrain from applying. For example, if you are in the midst of a major transition in your life (personal or work-related), this may not be the best time for you to apply. The Institute functions as a cohort, and if any member of the cohort is missing, the group is unable to function effectively.