The North Carolina Youth Institute (NCYI), hosted at NC State University, is a transformative, free educational experience for motivated high school students interested in agriculture, food systems, sustainability, and global challenges. Through guided research, mentorship from university graduate students and professionals, and a structured “Global Challenge” paper, poster and presentation, students strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. As part of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Global Youth Institute network, NCYI connects youth to real-world issues while introducing them to college pathways and careers in agriculture, food, nutrition, and natural resources. Participants gain confidence, academic enrichment, and recognition for their work as Borlaug Scholars.
Orange County High School Students Encouraged to Participate in Global Food Security Project
The North Carolina Youth Institute is an exceptional opportunity that ignites a passion for solving global hunger through an engaging exploration of agriculture and food systems. The North Carolina Youth Institute is an educational initiative of the World Food Prize Foundation and is designed to spark emerging leaders in developing innovative solutions for our world’s most pressing grand challenges surrounding feeding a growing population.
Youth go to NC State's campus in the spring of each year to attend the two-day long institute and share a research paper and poster they have created about a specific country of interest with peers and a panel of judges. Hands-on workshops, field trips, keynotes and career development round out the event.
High school students can partner with a mentor locally or they can participate in online mentoring with an NC State mentor. Orange County youth are encouraged to contact Orange County Food Security Extension Agent Jonathon Smith if they would like to have a local mentor. Call 919-245-2057 or email him at jonathon_smith@ncsu.edu. Teachers, nonprofit leaders, community leaders, and other food security leaders in the County would also make for great mentors. Jonathon can help you connect with potential mentors.
The required research paper will be due by March 15 to qualify for attendance. The NC Youth Institute will take place April 16-17 in Raleigh.
Visit NC Youth Institute for additional information, guidelines, and deadlines.
Join our mailing list!
Enter your email address to receive updates.
