What is the Michigan Youth Institute?
The Michigan Youth Institute is a life-changing experience coordinated by Michigan State University where students in grades 7-12 engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Michigan and around the world. The Michigan Youth Institute is hosted by Michigan State University with the generous support of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan 4-H, Michigan 4-H Foundation, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan FFA, and MSU International Studies and Programs.
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May 8, 2025
Registration Due: |
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Poster Due:
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| Student Registration | Adult Registration | Student Paper Submit | Poster Submit | Staff/Expert Registration |
Teachers and adult mentors who would like to support the participation of youth in the WFPMIYI may be interested in using our SPIN Club Agenda/Teaching Outline. Teachers and mentors also may choose to use the Hunger Fights Unite! Simulation Lesson plan resources to facilitate an interactive group activity for youth to explore the topic of global food security. The Hunger Fighter Unite! lesson plan is a simulation style activity that blends youth leadership, cultural engagement, and career exploration to cultivate a deeper understanding of food and food security as youth take on one of the world's greatest challenges.
Hunger Fighters Unite! Lesson Plan Resources:
Hunger Fighters Unite! Lesson Plan
Hunger Fighters Unite! Presentation (to share with participants)
Hunger Fighters Unite! Presentation (with speaking notes for instructors)
Hunger Fighters Unite! Mentimeter Instructions
Hunger Fighters Unite! Pre- and Post-test Survey
Why participate?
Students who participate in the Michigan Youth Institute earn recognition as a Borlaug Scholar, and qualify for internships and further opportunities.
At this exciting event, participating students who are in grades 7 through 12 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 statewide experts;
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Connect with other student leaders from across Michigan 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 at Michigan State University; and
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Michigan working to end hunger and poverty and improve food security around the world.
Papers will be evaluated by The World Food Prize Board of Reviewers. This distinguished group of educators and experts was established to mentor and personally encourage students. Reviewers write thoughtful, personalized feedback to each student who participates in the Youth Institute.
How to participate
To participate in the Michigan Youth Institute, students research a global issue and write a paper under the supervision of a teacher or mentor (using the downloadable guideline above and resources below). Seventh through twelfth grade students are eligible to apply.
| Sample Paper Click the link to view a Global Challenge Sample Paper Click HERE for Adobe Reader X update if forms do not load |
Paper Topic Resources Click the link and you will find topic definitions, solution examples and suggested resources to help get you started in your research |
The registration and paper submission deadline is: March 31, 2025.
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.
For more information please contact Coordinators:
Brian Wibby at: wibby@msu.edu or 906-439-5065
Debra Barrett at: smithde6@msu.edu or 517-355-3855
or visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/wfpmiyi/
Further opportunities for participants:
The Global Youth Institute
The top high school students from each Youth Institute will be competitively selected as delegates to the Global Youth Institute, held every October in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Global Youth Institute is an exciting three-day program where young leaders interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates and the more than 1,000 global leaders from 65 countries attending the World Food Prize's annual international symposium.
Borlaug-Ruan International Internships
An all-expenses-paid, eight-week hands-on experience for high school students to work with world-renowned scientists and policymakers at leading research centers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Borlaug-Ruan Interns get a firsthand view of pressing food security and nutritional problems in poverty-stricken areas and take part in groundbreaking research.
any student who has participated in, volunteered for, or has other involvement with a World Food Prize Foundation program and is 17 years old or older are eligible to apply for the Borlaug Ruan International Internship.
USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowships
A paid summer research or policy placement for college students at a U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory, agency, or at USDA headquarters in Washington D.C. Wallace-Carver Fellows analyze agricultural and economic policy; assist in the management of food, nutrition and rural development programs; and take part in groundbreaking field and laboratory-based research. Fellows travel to Washington DC as part of their fellowship for a week-long high-level leadership program hosted by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
All Borlaug Scholars are eligible to apply for a the USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowship.