About the New Jersey Youth Institute
The New Jersey Youth Institute is a transformative experience where high school students engage with local leaders and agriculture experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities and explore meaningful ways to make a difference in New Jersey and around the world.
The New Jersey Youth Institute is hosted by Rutgers University, the state university, with the generous support of the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), the New Jersey FFA, New Jersey 4-H, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Date: March 7, 2025
Venue: Rutgers University
Registration Deadline: February 11, 2025
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the New Jersey Youth Institute, high school students research an issue related to food security and write a paper under the supervision of a teacher or mentor.
Cost: There is no registration cost to participate in the Institute and meals will be provided during the event. However, both student and teacher/mentor participants must organize their own transportation to and from the event in New Brunswick.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the New Jersey Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the New Jersey Youth Institute earn recognition as a Borlaug Scholar and become eligible to be invited as a student delegate to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. Participating high school students have the opportunity to:
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Present research and recommendations on ways to solve key global challenges in a short speech and small group discussions with leading agriculture experts;
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Become eligible for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, an all expenses-paid, eight-week hands-on experience for students to work with world-renowned scientists and policymakers at leading research centers around the world;
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Connect with other student leaders from across New Jersey to share ideas, identify solutions to these problems and build lasting friendships;
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Explore the issues, current research and opportunities to make a difference with organizations based in New Jersey; and
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in New Jersey working to improve food security around the world.
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Papers will be evaluated by the World Food Prize Board of Reviewers. Reviewers provide feedback to each student who participates in the Youth Institute.
For any questions about the New Jersey Youth Institute, please contact: Serafina Smith (serafina@sebs.rutgers.edu) or Kayla Miller (kc1170@sebs.rutgers.edu or 848-932-3000).