The World Food Prize Foundation’s 2026 Virtual Youth Institutes, a global opportunity for high school students to engage with food security leaders and present research on pressing global challenges.
About the Virtual Youth Institutes
The Virtual Youth Institutes connect students from around the world with global experts, innovators and fellow student leaders. Participants research food security issues in a specific country, develop recommendations and present their work during a live, interactive virtual event. Students also engage in small-group discussions with food security professionals and explore pathways to making a global impact.
More about the Global Youth Institutes
To be recognized as a Borlaug Scholar, students must complete a Global Challenge research paper and present at one of the Virtual Youth Institutes.
2026 Virtual Youth Institute Live Events
Students will participate in a 2-hour virtual session. They may register for one of the following dates (CT, USA):
June 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
June 3, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
June 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
June 10, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Eligibility & Participation Requirements
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Open to students in grades 9–12 ( aged 13-18)
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Research a food security issue in a specific country
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Write a research paper (teacher or mentor guidance encouraged)
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Attend one Virtual Youth Institute event and present research virtually