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The World Food Prize announced today the opening of registration for the 8th annual Iowa Youth Institute (IYI). The Foundation invites all Iowa high school students in grades 8-12 to participate in the event at Iowa State University on Monday, April 29, 2019.
This event aims to inspire the next generation of global leaders to pursue meaningful careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by connecting students with faculty at Iowa State University as well as industry experts who are working to address critical issues in global food security.
To participate, students are challenged to research a topic affecting food security within a specific country and propose their own unique solution to improve the lives of families living within the country. Students will present their ideas to world-renowned experts and engage in field immersions on Iowa State’s campus, all designed to prepare them for hunger-fighting career paths in technology, agriculture, engineering, policy, nutrition and health.
All students who submit their idea and participate in the day-long event will automatically receive a $500 scholarship to Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and are also eligible to apply for paid fellowships through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The top Iowa participants will also be selected to join award-winning scientists, policy experts and industry leaders from around the world at the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in October.
"I researched a paper in Mozambique and just by spending three months on a paper, I felt more aware of the surrounding world. The IYI is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone," said Lane Kunzie, a student alumni from Wayne Community High School.
In 2018, the Iowa Youth Institute hosted students from 1/3 of all high schools in Iowa, totaling over 500 students and teachers. Since 2011, 64% of Iowa schools have participated in the Iowa Youth Institute. This one-day event is offered at no cost to teachers or students. The deadline to register for the Iowa Youth Institute is March 25, 2019. Registration and further details can be found at www.worldfoodprize.org/iowayouth.
Press Contact:
Nicole Barreca, Director of Communications and Events
515-245-3735, or by email at nbarreca@worldfoodprize.org
ABOUT THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE: The World Food Prize is the foremost international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. The Prize was founded in 1986 by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize. Since then, the World Food Prize has honored 48 outstanding individuals who have made vital contributions throughout the world. The World Food Prize annually hosts the Borlaug Dialogue international symposium and a variety of youth education programs to help further the discussion on cutting-edge global food security issues and inspire the next generation to end hunger.
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