Tampa, Fla. – The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is proud to announce that it has awarded 13 Convention Scholarships to individuals from across the country, providing them the opportunity to take part in the 3rd Annual Your Weight Matters National Convention – September 25-28 in Orlando, FL.

This year, the OAC launched the Convention Scholarship Program with a goal to give individuals, despite their financial situation, the opportunity to experience the Convention’s one-of-a-kind evidence-based education where experts in the healthcare field provide the latest information on weight, health, nutrition, exercise, weight bias and more. “The Convention Planning Committee recognized a very valid need for all those who so deeply want to attend Convention, but simply don’t have the financial means. In recognition of this need, the Committee developed this Program as a way to help folks make their way to YWM2014 and join us for this ground-breaking event,” said Amber Huett-Garcia, BS, MPA, Convention Committee Chair.

In its first year, the Convention Scholarship Program received more than $100,000 in requested funds from individuals throughout the United States and was able to award more than $10,000 in scholarships. “We were simply astonished at the amount of interest in this program. It reminds me that there is so much need out there, which is why it is my goal to be able to provide an even greater number of scholarships next year,” said Ms. Huett-Garcia.

All applications were reviewed the Obesity Research Team at the Milken Institute for Public Health at George Washington University, which ensured a transparent and objective evaluation process. Applicants who did not score high enough to receive a Convention Scholarship were offered a complimentary one-year membership, or membership renewal, in the OAC which includes a subscription to the OAC’s popular publication, Your Weight Matters Magazine.

“While we are saddened that we were not able to help all applicants, we are pleased to offer complimentary memberships in the OAC. The OAC is an excellent resource for all individuals wanting to learn more about how their weight and health go hand-in-hand. We truly value all of the applicants’ participation in the OAC because only together will we impact proactive change,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

The OAC would like to thank the Obesity Research Team at George Washington University for their time and objectiveness in reviewing all of the Convention Scholarship Applications. The OAC thanks all applicants for sharing themselves with us and looks forward to continuing the Convention Scholarship Program next year.

To learn more about the Your Weight Matters National Convention, please visit www.YWMConvention.com. For questions regarding the Convention Scholarship Program, please email convention@obesityaction.org or call (800) 717-3117.

About the OAC
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a nearly 50,000 member-strong National nonprofit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support. To learn more about the OAC, please visit www.ObesityAction.org.