Each year, more than 1,800 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 over 35 Youth Institutes throughout Honduras, Kenya, the Netherlands, Sweden, Uganda 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.
How to Participate in a Youth Institute
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.
Global Challenge Paper Instructions
Youth Institutes across U.S. States and Countries
U.S. STATES & TERRITORIES
COUNTRIES
| Honduras | Sweden | Uganda |
| Netherlands | Kenya |
Virtual Youth Institutes
If you do not see a country, state, or territory listed above, learn more about our virtual participation.
Learn More about Virtual Youth Institutes
Student Testimonials
“I have gained so much knowledge on agriculture around the world and food security. I learned how much food security impacts a community and how that community grows and develops. I have learned how universal solutions to problems concerning food security and how you can adapt solutions to work in any environment anywhere in the world. It is extremely interesting how many different areas of agriculture impact food security including crop production, livestock, the economy, the environment and so much more.”
- 2024 Iowa Youth Institute Participant
“Participating in a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute has profoundly enriched my understanding of global food security challenges. The program has provided me with a comprehensive insight into the complexities of agricultural development, nutrition and sustainable practices. I have engaged with experts, collaborated with peers, and explored innovative solutions to real-world problems. This experience has honed my research and analytical skills, enhanced my understanding of global interdependencies, and inspired a deep commitment to contributing to global food security efforts. The Institute has empowered me to think critically about the multifaceted issues of food insecurity and has strengthened my resolve to be part of the solution.”
- 2024 Virtual Youth Institute Participant
“The World Food Prize Foundation has been an eye opening and life changing experience for me. I previously had some interest and background in farming and environmental science, however, participating in this program took me to the next level. Through my research I became deeply interested in the intersectionality of the environment and sustainability with humanitarian aid and social justice. This newfound passion for exploring these topics has led me to reach out into my community for opportunities in the field and even land an internship working in a plant lab in Cornell. The people that I met through this program and learning that I got from it has inspired me to continue walking down this path, being proactive and curious along the way.”
- 2024 New York Youth Institute Participant