2022 Northern Great Plains Youth Institute

Monday, May 9, 2022 - University of Minnesota Crookston 
Paper deadline submission extended to April 11, 2022.

The Northern Great Plains Youth Institute, an official World Food Prize event, is a potentially life-changing experience at the University of Minnesota Crookston where high school students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Minnesota and around the world.

Participating high school students research a global issue they care about and write a short paper under the supervision of a teacher or mentor. Then at this event, participants will:

• Present research and recommendations on ways to solve these key global challenges in a short speech and small group discussions with statewide experts;
• Connect with other student leaders to share ideas, identify solutions to these problems and build lasting friendships;
• Explore the issues, current research and opportunities to make a difference at the University of Minnesota Crookston; and
• Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs working to end hunger and poverty and improve food security around the world.

Papers will be evaluated by the World Food Prize Board of Reviewers. This distinguished group of educators and experts was established to mentor and personally encourage students. Reviewers write thoughtful, personalized feedback to each student who participates in the Youth Institute.

Why Participate?
Students who participate in the Northern Great Plains Youth Institute can earn a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Minnesota Crookston, can gain recognition as a Borlaug Scholar, and may qualify for internships as well as other possible opportunities.

The World Food Prize was founded by Dr. Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who saved over a billion people from famine and starvation through advances in crop breeding technologies. Today, The World Food Prize celebrates individuals who significantly improve global food security. The Northern Great Plains Youth Institute was established at UMN Crookston to engage high school students with local leaders and experts on critical global food security challenges, participate in hands-on learning, explore campus, and formally present their solutions to food security, environmental or social justice issues.

How to participate

High school students in grades 9-12 in the 2021-22 school year are eligible to apply. There is no registration cost to participate in the Institute, and meals will be provided during the event. However, both student and teacher/mentor participants must organize their own transportation to and from the event on the Crookston campus.  We invite larger groups of students (such as entire high school classes) to attend as well.

Select a Mentor, Research an Issue, and Write a Paper

To participate in the Northern Great Plains Youth Institute, students research a global issue and write a 2-to-3 page paper under the supervision of a teacher or mentor (using these guidelines). A mentor can be a teacher at your school, a 4-H club leader, a coach, or FFA Advisor. Ask your teacher/mentor to help you as you develop your ideas and revise your paper. View a sample paper