World Food Prize Foundation
Youth Institutes
Each year, more than 2,000 students present their research and share innovative solutions from their Global Challenge papers at a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute.
Hosted by leading universities and research organizations, Youth Institutes immerse high school students in critical discussions on global food security. Students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global food security challenges, participate in hands-on science activities, gain exposure to different career paths and explore exciting ways to make meaningful differences on issues related to agriculture, food security and sustainability.
The Foundation co-hosts 40 Youth Institutes throughout Honduras, Kenya, the Netherlands, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States in partnership with major agricultural universities. Each entity brings together industry, research, teaching and applied agricultural practices to implement the Youth Institutes, investing in the development of emerging agriculture and food security leaders.
Benefits of Participating in a Youth Institute
- As a participant, you will be recognized as a Borlaug Scholar;
- You may also qualify for additional Foundation programs, including the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, the USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowship and the opportunity to attend the Global Youth Institute;
- You will be eligible for one of the 10 Global Challenge Awards, with two top awards of $1,000 given for exceptional solutions to global food insecurity;
- Additionally, you may be considered for scholarships from higher education institutions that co-host Youth Institutes; and
- This experience will help enhance your global awareness, as well as strengthen your skills in research, writing, critical thinking and public speaking.
Participating in the Minnesota Youth Institute inspired me to approach global challenges with the mindset of a researcher, especially in the field of genetics. I aim to use genetic tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to improve crop resilience and nutrition for communities facing food insecurity. My objective is to bridge science with real-world applications by designing solutions that are both technologically innovative and culturally adaptable. Through this experience, I learned how important it is to communicate scientific ideas in ways that inspire action from policymakers, farmers and fellow scientists.”
2025 Minnesota Youth Institute Student
Get Involved
How to Participate
The World Food Prize Foundation’s Global Challenge curriculum is designed to empower high school students to explore, analyze and solve the world’s most pressing problems related to global food security, agriculture and sustainability issues.
To participate, a student must write a three to five page research paper on a country and a food security related topic. Each student will then share this research at a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute. The Foundation believes that elevating young voices is crucial to creating a more food-secure and sustainable world and we want to hear your solutions.
By participating in the North Carolina Youth Institute, I not only strengthened my skills as a researcher, I connected with a group of peers who share the same passion for equal access to food and nutrition as me. Participating in the Youth Institute was a once in a lifetime opportunity where I learned so many challenges and solutions to problems regarding food security in other countries currently. At the Youth Institute I was also given the opportunity of learning from agriculture experts and I was able to explore new careers that I had never seen myself in. Overall the Youth Institute has been a truly transformative experience that I will hold near to my heart as I near the next chapter of my education.
2025 North Carolina Youth Institute Student
Youth Institutes
Global Challenge
Award Winners
The Global Challenge is the World Food Prize Foundation’s educational curriculum focused on global food insecurity, agriculture and sustainability. To participate in the Global Challenge, students research and write a paper and develop solutions to some of the world’s most critical issues. Each year over 8,000 students across the world engage with the Global Challenge curriculum. Over 2,000 students annually present their recommendations from their Global Challenge paper at a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute.
Ten awards, with an accompanying scholarship, are given each year. Winners of the Global Challenge Awards are selected from global participants in the Global Youth Institute, held concurrently with the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue.
- Sahasra Tavva – $1,000 Prize Winner
- Allison Huang – $1,000 Prize Winner
- Zain Akhtar – $500 Prize Winner
- Vaishali Alapati – $500 Prize Winner
- Sofia Esquivel – $500 Prize Winner
- Aadi Patel – $250 Prize Winner
- Anis Gazelle – $250 Prize Winner
- Aditya Behara – $250 Prize Winner
- Jeswith Mekapati – $250 Prize Winner
- Jevaughn Wilson – $250 Prize Winner
- Amna Ahmad – $1,000 Prize Winner
- Hadley Harvey – $1,000 Prize Winner
- Ketsia Baributsa – $500 Prize Winner
- Peggy Chen – $500 Prize Winner
- Isabell Olsasky – $500 Prize Winner
- Neel Chandalia – $250 Prize Winner
- Etienne Exantus – $250 Prize Winner
- Cherish Galliart – $250 Prize Winner
- Nirmal Melam – $250 Prize Winner
- Zane Tickoo – $250 Prize Winner
While attending the Iowa Youth Institute, I met a handful of individuals who are known for their significant contributions to sustainable agriculture. Not only was I able to learn from their expertise, but I was also able to understand the topic of food insecurity from diverse perspectives. Additionally, it was gratifying to meet people from all over Iowa who all share the same goal to provide food security for all. I was empowered to continue on the journey of studying sustainable agriculture after hearing my peers’ ideas on how to combat food insecurity. One of the most valuable things I gained from attending the Iowa Youth was learning how to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations and not let my fear of making a mistake prevent me from reaching for new goals.
2025 Iowa Youth Institute Student
Virtual Youth Institutes
The Virtual Youth Institutes provide students with an accessible way to engage with topics related to global food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and hunger solutions from anywhere in the world. Through interactive online experiences, participants explore real-world challenges, share research and connect with peers who are passionate about creating a more food-secure future.
Discover how Virtual Youth Institutes inspire learning, leadership and global engagement.