About the Illinois Youth Institute
The Illinois 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 Illinois and around the world.
The Illinois Youth Institute is hosted by the University of Illinois Chicago with the generous support of multiple partners and individuals.
Date: May 12, 2026
Venue: University of Illinois Chicago
Registration Deadline: TBD
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Illinois 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 Chicago, Illinois.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Illinois Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois;
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Illinois 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 Illinois Youth Institute, please contact: Peggy Yih, pegyih@gmail.com