Conditioning and nutritional supplements are both buzzwords in America.  A cursory glance around any bookstore will show you that many people are interested in getting fit and are utilizing the many supplements and fitness regimens available.  On the research end, these topics are becoming involved with lots of research money.  Researchers at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC recently received a $600,000 grant from the United States Army to reach running injuries.

What is the NSCA?

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an non-profit educational organization that seeks to aid in communication and collaboration between fitness and conditioning scientists and practitioners.  This organization has grown to be international in scope as it spans over 30,000 members across 52 countries.

Every year the NSCA scholarships give money to students who are interested in careers within strength and conditioning or related research.

High school students can apply to NSCA’s High School Scholarship.  The requirements for this scholarship are a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and the intent of majoring in a related field to strength and conditioning.  This would encompass majors including Biology, Kinesiology, Health and Exercise Science, Chemistry, and Sports Nutrition.

If you are interested in looking at the application, you can take a look here.  The application includes an essay of 500 words or less that describes your professional goals within the profession of strength and conditioning.  Interested applicants also are required to include a cover letter/personal statement.

The NSCA also has specific opportunities for women and minorities interested in a career/research in strength and conditioning.  The application format is the same and all of the scholarships are on the same form.  The application deadline for all three of these scholarships is March 15, 2011 and the awards are all $1,500.

To get started it would be beneficial to talk to someone within the strength and conditioning profession, because this opportunity is really interested in the interest/focus of students in the field.

The NSCA also has a list of public resources that are worth looking at to learn more about current issues/research.  Prospective applicants might also find these links helpful:

• NSCA on Twitter
• NSCA on Facebook