MSU hosts World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute May 11

County Farm Bureaus looking to boost their support of food-security efforts may wish to promote the World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute to middle and high school students and educators.

Networking, communications, problem-solving, critical thinking, cultural awareness and social skills are just a few of the competencies today’s employers look for. World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute is an event Michigan Farm Bureau supports that fosters those skills while allowing youth to explore a variety of jobs and careers related to food security, science and agriculture.

The World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute is a one-day event coordinated by Michigan State University where young people:

• Present research and recommendations on how to solve key global challenges in a short speech and small group discussions with local experts.
• Connect with other student leaders from across Michigan to share ideas, identify solutions to these problems and build lasting friendships.
• Interact with global leaders in science, agriculture, industry and policy.
• Take part in educational sessions to explore current research and issues in food, agriculture, natural resources, international development and life sciences.
• Meet innovative professionals, researchers, professors and college students working to end hunger and poverty and improve food security in Michigan and around the world.

When and where: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 11, 2023. The World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute takes place in person on the MSU campus, with a Zoom option for virtual participants.

Who: Students in grades 7-12 during the 2022-2023 school year are eligible to register by submitting a three to five page paper; see link below.

Cost: Free!

Registration deadline: March 15, 2023. Online registration opens Feb. 1 for youth participants and their adult teachers or mentors.

The top-performing youth will be considered as possible delegates to represent Michigan at the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa (or virtually).  The quality of student research papers and presentations will be the primary measurements used to select potential World Food Prize Global Youth Institute delegates from Michigan.

For more information on how to support your participants, contact Katie Eisenberger, MFB’s High School & Collegiate Programs Specialist, or reach out to your local 4-H county coordinator.

Also check out this video!