April 2018

2018 Iowa Youth Institute

The World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute brought together over 300 students from 135 high schools at Iowa State University to explore critical global food security issues and discover academic and career paths in STEM fields. Students were immersed into the world of food insecurity and interacted with  world-renowned faculty experts and business leaders.

The Iowa Youth Institute has reached over 64 percent of all Iowa high schools since its inauguration in 2011, and has sought to inspire Iowa high school students to focus on global issues and opportunities in STEM. This innovative experience encourages students to explore academic and career paths in fields related to STEM, food security, agriculture and global development and aims to inspire the next generation of leaders through research presentations and networking with global experts.

Interested students select a developing country and write an essay about a key factor affecting its food security. The paper should explain typical living conditions, the selected factor and potential solutions. Students then present their ideas at the Iowa Youth Institute, participate in interactive activities in labs and classrooms on campus, and interact with innovative professors and business leaders from across the state. All participants are eligible to earn a $500 scholarship to Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as opportunities for international internships through the World Food Prize.

Since its inception, Iowa State University has awarded over $250,000 to students participating in World Food Prize programming, ensuring that young leaders have access to a high-quality education, professional mentors, and are prepared to tackle our world's toughest issues in hunger and poverty. 

"I commend you for being here, for embracing the desire to improve the global food supply, and for wanting to take action on behalf of people you might never know," said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Administrator and Acting Deputy Under Secretary REE, USDA during her morning keynote presentation. "You, as a generation, are important to USDA, because you will be the consumers, the employees, and the leaders

Teacher Resource Guide

We are continually amazed by the diverse and innovative approaches that educators across Iowa are taking to support their students in contributing to the fight against hunger. With the hopes of further supporting Iowa's educators we have created this teacher resource guide for three important reasons

1. To provide educators with hands-on learning opportunities that also meet curriculum standards
2. Share tips and advice from educators who have implemented these projects
3. Connect educators with non-profit leaders who are working to address hunger needs in your community

As we continue to educate and inspire Iowa's next generation of hunger fighters, we hope that you will share this resource with those in your community. 
 

We additionally are always looking to expand our resources, so please be sure to share your thoughts and ideas with us!

For more information on World Food Prize Youth Education Programs:

Kelsey Tyrrell                                                       
Director of Global Education Programs      
ktyrrell@worldfoodprize.org

Download Teacher Resource Guide

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