About the Northern Great Plains Youth Institute
The Northern Great Plains 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 Minnesota and around the world.
The Northern Great Plains Youth Institute is hosted by the University of Minnesota Crookston with the generous support of the American Crystal Sugar Company, Pine Lake Wild Rice Inc. and Valley Plains Equipment.
Date: May 7, 2025
Venue: University of Minnesota Crookston
Registration Deadline: March 28, 2025
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Northern Great Plains 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 Crookston, Minnesota.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Northern Great Plains Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Northern Great Plains 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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Earn a scholarship to the University of Minnesota Crookston;
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Connect with other student leaders from across Minnesota 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 Minnesota;
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Minnesota working to improve food security around the world; and
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Have their research paper 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 Northern Great Plains Youth Institute, please contact: Amber Murry, murry035@crk.umn.edu or 218-281-8265.