About the Michigan Youth Institute
The Michigan 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 Michigan and around the world.
The Michigan Youth Institute is hosted by Michigan State University with the generous support of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), Michigan 4-H, Michigan 4-H Foundation, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan FFA and MSU International Studies and Programs.
Date: May 8, 2025
Venue: University of Michigan
Registration Deadline: March 31, 2025
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Michigan 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 East Lansing, Michigan.
Eligibility: Seventh through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Michigan Youth Institute.
Student Resources
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper MSU Library Research Guide
Educator/Mentor Resources
Teachers and adult mentors who would like to support the participation of youth in the Michigan Youth Institute 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
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Michigan Youth Institute earn recognition as a Borlaug Scholar and 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 to be invited as a student delegate to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa (high school students);
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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 (high school students);
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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 with organizations based in Michigan ;
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Michigan 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 Michigan Youth Institute, please contact: Brian Wibby, wibby@msu.edu or 906-439-5065; Debra Barrett, smithde6@msu.edu or 517-355-3855; or visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/wfpmiyi/.