World Food Prize Youth Institutes

Each year, more than 1,800 students present their research and share innovative solutions from their Global Challenge papers at a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute. Hosted by leading universities and research organizations, Youth Institutes immerse high school students in critical discussions on global food security. Students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global food security challenges, participate in hands-on science activities, gain exposure to different career paths and explore exciting ways to make meaningful differences on issues related to agriculture, food security and sustainability.

The Foundation co-hosts 40 Youth Institutes throughout Honduras, Kenya, the Netherlands, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States in partnership with major agricultural universities. Each entity brings together industry, research, teaching and applied agricultural practices to implement the Youth Institutes, investing in the development of emerging agriculture and food security leaders.

Benefits of Participating in a Youth Institute

• As a participant, you will be recognized as a Borlaug Scholar;
   
• You may also qualify for additional Foundation programs, including the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, the USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowship and the opportunity to attend the Global Youth Institute;
   
• You will be eligible for one of the 10 Global Challenge Awards, with two top awards of $1,000 given for exceptional solutions to global food insecurity;
   
• Additionally, you may be considered for scholarships from higher education institutions that co-host Youth Institutes; and
   
• This experience will help enhance your global awareness, as well as strengthen your skills in research, writing, critical thinking and public speaking.
   

How to Participate in a Youth Institute

The World Food Prize Foundation’s Global Challenge curriculum is designed to empower high school students to explore, analyze and solve the world’s most pressing problems related to global food security, agriculture and sustainability issues. To participate, a student must write a three to five page research paper on a country and a food security related topic. Each student will then share this research at a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute. The Foundation believes that elevating young voices is crucial to creating a more food-secure and sustainable world, and we want to hear your solutions.

Global Challenge Paper Instructions

Youth Institutes across U.S. States and Countries

U.S. STATES & TERRITORIES

COUNTRIES

Virtual Youth Institutes 

If you do not see a country, state, or territory listed above, learn more about our virtual participation. 

Learn More about Virtual Youth Institutes

Student Testimonials

"I’m grateful I participated in the Kansas Youth Institute. There isn’t another program that requires you to deeply understand new cultures, understand complex global issues, and create solutions. The World Food Prize Foundation brought out my love for learning and research to improve both my perspective, and the world around me." - 2026 Kansas Youth Institute Student

"Participating in the Minnesota Youth Institute inspired me to approach global challenges with the mindset of a researcher, especially in the field of genetics. I aim to use genetic tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to improve crop resilience and nutrition for communities facing food insecurity. My objective is to bridge science with real-world applications by designing solutions that are both technologically innovative and culturally adaptable. Through this experience, I learned how important it is to communicate scientific ideas in ways that inspire action from policymakers, farmers and fellow scientists." - 2025 Minnesota Youth Institute Student

"By participating in the North Carolina Youth Institute, I not only strengthened my skills as a researcher, I connected with a group of peers who share the same passion for equal access to food and nutrition as me. Participating in the Youth Institute was a once in a lifetime opportunity where I learned so many challenges and solutions to problems regarding food security in other countries currently. At the Youth Institute I was also given the opportunity of learning from agriculture experts and I was able to explore new careers that I had never seen myself in. Overall the Youth Institute has been a truly transformative experience that I will hold near to my heart as I near the next chapter of my education." - 2025 North Carolina Youth Institute Student

"While attending the Iowa Youth Institute, I met a handful of individuals who are known for their significant contributions to sustainable agriculture. Not only was I able to learn from their expertise, but I was also able to understand the topic of food insecurity from diverse perspectives. Additionally, it was gratifying to meet people from all over Iowa who all share the same goal to provide food security for all. I was empowered to continue on the journey of studying sustainable agriculture after hearing my peers’ ideas on how to combat food insecurity. One of the most valuable things I gained from attending the Iowa Youth was learning how to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations and not let my fear of making a mistake prevent me from reaching for new goals." - 2025 Iowa Youth Institute Student