About Our Youth Programs:

First initiated by John Ruan and Norman Borlaug in 1994, students from more than 140 high schools in Iowa and beyond have participated in World Food Prize Foundation youth programs. Each October during the Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium, our Youth Institute provides students the opportunity to interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates and offers exposure to an array of experts, facilities and organizations relating to nutrition and food security.

Participants in the Youth Institute are eligible for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, which each summer sends select high school students to work with world-renowned scientists at research centers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. These opportunities are administered by Director of Youth and Education Programs Lisa Fleming.

The World Food Prize Foundation also works to educate Iowa students about Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and World Food Prize Founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. Each year, the Foundation assists in providing educational materials to Iowa schools through the state's Area Education Agencies.

The World Food Prize Foundation also selects several undergraduate and graduate students each semester for George Washington Carver Internships. These outstanding students assist the foundation through assignments involving research, communications, youth programs, event planning, development and more.

Lisa Fleming
Director of Youth and Education Programs
The World Food Prize Foundation
Contact Lisa