About the Colorado GROW Youth Institute
The Colorado GROW 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 Colorado and around the world.
The Colorado GROW Youth Institute is hosted by the International Agriculture team in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University. The institute takes place at the CSU Spur campus in Denver.
Date: April 14, 2026
Venue: Colorado State University Spur campus in Denver
Registration Deadline: March 17, 2026
Paper Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Colorado GROW 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 adult participants must organize their own transportation to and from the event in Denver, Colorado.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Colorado GROW Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Colorado GROW 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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Earn a scholarship to Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences;
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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 Colorado 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 Colorado;
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Colorado 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 Colorado GROW Youth Institute, please contact: Dr. Aryn Baxter and Rebecca Popara, csu_spur_coloradogrow@mail.colostate.edu or 970-491-5083.