The Wisconsin Youth Institute

What is the Wisconsin Youth Institute?

The Wisconsin Youth Institute is a life-changing experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where high school students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Wisconsin and around the world. The Wisconsin Youth Institute is hosted by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the Office of Academic Affairs.

Why participate?

Students who participate in the Wisconsin Youth Institute earn recognition as a Borlaug Scholar, and qualify for internships and further opportunities. 

At this exciting event, 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 statewide experts;

• 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 at the University of Wisconsin; and

• Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Youth Institute, high school 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).

Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to apply

Registration and paper submission forms are due online by: April 7, 2025

Note: Registration and paper submission forms are now open.

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.

For more information please contact Kara Henderlight at:

kara.henderlight@wisc.edu

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.

All Borlaug Scholars 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.