Michigan Youth Institute
The Michigan Youth Institute is a transformative experience where 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 Michigan and around the world.
The Michigan Youth Institute is hosted by Michigan State University with the generous support of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), Michigan 4-H, Michigan 4-H Foundation, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan FFA and MSU International Studies and Programs.
- Date: May 13, 2027
- Venue: Michigan State University
- Registration Deadline: March 15, 2027
- Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Michigan Youth Institute, 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 East Lansing, Michigan.
- Eligibility: Seventh through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Michigan Youth Institute.
For any questions about the Michigan Youth Institute, please contact: Brian Wibby, wibby@msu.edu or 906-439-5065; Debra Barrett, smithde6@msu.edu or 517-355-3855; or visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/wfpmiyi/.
Benefits of Participating
Students who participate in the Michigan Youth Institute earn recognition as a Borlaug Scholar and 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 to be invited as a student delegate to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa (high school students);
- 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 (high school students);
- Connect with other student leaders from across Michigan 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 Michigan ;
- Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Michigan working to improve food security around the world; and
- Have their research paper evaluated by the World Food Prize Foundation.
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.
Educator/Mentor Resources
Teachers and adult mentors who would like to support the participation of youth in the Michigan Youth Institute may be interested in using our SPIN Club Agenda/Teaching Outline. Teachers and mentors also may choose to use the Hunger Fights Unite! Simulation Lesson plan resources to facilitate an interactive group activity for youth to explore the topic of global food security. The Hunger Fighter Unite! lesson plan is a simulation style activity that blends youth leadership, cultural engagement, and career exploration to cultivate a deeper understanding of food and food security as youth take on one of the world’s greatest challenges.
Hunger Fighters Unite! Lesson Plan Resources:
