The World Food Prize earlier this week announced the opening of the registration process for the seventh annual Iowa Youth Institute. The WFP Foundation invites all Iowa high school students who are interested to participate in the event at Iowa State University April 30.

The institute aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue a career in fighting hunger by connecting students with nonprofit organizations and industry experts who are working to address critical issues in global food security.

To participate, students are asked to research a topic affecting food security in a developing country and propose their own unique solution to addressing hunger within the specified country. Students will present their ideas to world-renowned experts and engage in field immersions on Iowa State’s campus. The program is designed to prepare them for hunger-fighting careers in technology, agriculture, engineering, policy, nutrition and health.

Participating students get $500 scholarship
All students who submit their solution and participate in the daylong event will automatically receive a $500 scholarship to Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and are also eligible to apply for paid fellowships through USDA.

The top Iowa participants will also be selected to join award-winning scientists, policy experts and industry leaders from around the world at the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in October in Des Moines.

The sessions at the Iowa Youth Institute at ISU each spring provide students with a hands-on learning experience that empowers them to explore various college majors and potential careers related to combating global hunger and poverty. It also provides them with a platform to present their own ideas and solutions and to interact and discuss those ideas with real-world experts and professionals.

“The Iowa Youth Institute was one of the most influential experiences I've ever had. The students I met were so focused on helping others, and it inspired me to pursue a career in fighting hunger,” says Corgan Ball, a Keokuk High School student.

Deadline to register March 26
In 2017, the Iowa Youth Institute hosted students from one-third of all high schools in Iowa, totaling over 500 students and teachers. Since 2011, 54% of Iowa high schools have participated in the annual Iowa Youth Institute. This one-day event is offered at no cost to teachers or students. Deadline to register for the 2018 Iowa Youth Institute is March 26. Registration and details can be found at worldfoodprize.org/iowayouth.