About the Ohio Youth Institute
The Ohio 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 Ohio and around the world.
The Ohio Youth Institute is hosted by The Ohio State University with the generous support of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ohio 4-H.
Date: April 14, 2025
Venue: The Ohio State University
Registration Deadline: March 12, 2025
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Ohio 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 Columbus, Ohio.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Ohio Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Ohio 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:
-
Present research and recommendations on ways to solve key global challenges in a short speech and small group discussions with leading agriculture experts;
-
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;
-
Connect with other student leaders from across Ohio to share ideas, identify solutions to these problems and build lasting friendships;
-
Explore the issues, current research and opportunities to make a difference with organizations based in Ohio;
-
Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Ohio working to improve food security around the world; and
-
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 Ohio Youth Institute, please contact: Margo Overholt-Seckel, overholt-seckel.1@osu.edu or 614-247-9385.