The World Food Prize Foundation

The Wisconsin Youth Institute

About the Wisconsin Youth Institute

The Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin and around the world. 

The Wisconsin Youth Institute is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison with the generous support of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Office of Academic Affairs.

Date: May 7, 2025

Venue: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Registration Deadline: April 7, 2025

How to participate

Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Wisconsin 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 Madison, Wisconsin .

Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Wisconsin Youth Institute.

        

Global Challenge Instructions   Sample Student Paper

Benefits of participating

Students who participate in the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin;

  • Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Youth Institute, please contact: Kara Henderlight, kara.henderlight@wisc.edu.

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