About the Nebraska Youth Institute
The Nebraska 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 Nebraska and around the world.
The Nebraska Youth Institute is hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with the generous support of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR); the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC); the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR); Bruce and Kathy Maunder with the Maunder-Borlaug Scholarship, The Malaika Foundation; the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and Nebraska FFA.
Nebraska Youth Institute Opportunities
Eastern Nebraska Youth Institute
Date: February 9, 2026
Venue: University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Omaha, NE
Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026
Western Nebraska Youth Institute
Date: February 12, 2026
Venue: West Central Research, Extension and Education Center | North Platte,NE
Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026
Student Registration Adult Registration
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Nebraska 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 Lincoln or Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Nebraska Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Nebraska 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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Earn a $500 scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and become eligible for the $2,000 Maunder-Borlaug Scholarship toward tuition at UNL's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR);
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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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska;
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Nebraska 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 Nebraska Youth Institute, please contact: Morgan Tranmer, mtranmer2@unl.edu or 402-472-9782.