About the Maryland Youth Institute
The Maryland 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 Maryland and around the world.
The Maryland Youth Institute is hosted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with the generous support of MANRRS, Perdue Farms, Wal-Mart, and the USDA.
Date: April 25, 2025
Venue: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Registration Deadline: March 25, 2025
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Maryland 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 Princess Anne, Maryland.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Maryland Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland;
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Maryland 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 Maryland Youth Institute, please contact: Diamond Nwaeze (dcnwaeze@umes.edu) or Theresa Maggio (temaggio@umes.edu).