The World Food Prize Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2019 Borlaug-Ruan International Internship. This eight-week summer program provides international research experiences for high school students who have participated in the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute. It allows students to engage in hands-on research opportunities with top international scientists at leading research institutions.

The program, created by Dr. Norman Borlaug and John Ruan, Sr., celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2018 and has sent over 300 students to 34 research institutions around the world. While conducting their own original research projects related to food security issues, students will witness first-hand impact of food security and nutrition problems on developing nations. 

Unique ag-related experience inspires students

Through this internship program, the student becomes an integral part of her or his assigned project, spending time in the lab and time in the field conducting research and gathering data.

“The World Food Prize is a truly unique and transformative organization. My time in China as a Borlaug-Ruan intern pushed me to adapt to a new culture, introduced me to an incredible international friend group and inspired me to pursue a life of working to help provide food security. I have not yet had any other experience which can match the power of moving to the opposite side of the planet and exploring ways that I could contribute to solving the world’s most pressing issues," says Hans Riensche, a 2017 Borlaug-Ruan Intern from Jesup, Iowa. He interned at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in Beijing, China.

Applications now open for summer 2019

To apply, visit www.worldfoodprize.org/brapplicationand complete your application by December 15, 2018.

Eligibility: Any student who has participated in the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute and is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. is eligible to apply.

Due to the significant responsibilities imposed with the internship program, applicants must be at least in 11th grade at the time they apply for the internship. Students remain eligible to apply for the internship through their freshman year of college. Interns do not receive compensation for their work, but their travel to and from the center, lodging and meal expenses are paid by the World Food Prize Foundation.

The World Food Prize: The World Food Prize is the foremost international award recognizing achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. The Prize was founded in 1986 by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize. Since then, the World Food Prize has honored 48 outstanding individuals who have made vital contributions throughout the world. The World Food Prize Foundation annually hosts the Borlaug Dialogue international symposium in Des Moines, Iowa each October. Along with that event, are a variety of youth education programs to help further the discussion on cutting-edge global food security issues and inspire the next generation to end hunger.