About the Georgia Youth Institute
The Georgia 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 Georgia and around the world.
The Georgia Youth Institute is hosted by the University of Georgia with the generous support of multiple partners and individuals.
Date: June 16-18, 2026
Venue: University of Georgia
Registration Opens: January 12, 2026
Registration Deadline: April 10, 2026
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Georgia 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 Athens, Georgia.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Georgia Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Georgia 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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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 Georgia 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 Georgia;
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Georgia 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 Georgia Youth Institute, please contact: Jaky Cervantes Childers at jakycervantes@uga.edu