From research to real-world impact: Career pathways galore at the Global Youth Institute
Students connect to global careers in food, science and sustainability.
The World Food Prize Global Youth Institute (GYI) is an international program designed to engage high school students in addressing global food security challenges. Held annually in October, GYI is a three-day academic conference held in Des Moines, Iowa, in conjunction with the World Food Prize International Symposium (Borlaug Dialogue). It was established in 1994 and has already hosted nearly 4,000 student delegates from the U.S. and around the world.
To be eligible to attend, students must:
Why does this event matter? The GYI empowers young leaders to develop solutions for global hunger and sustainability, fostering a pipeline of future scientists, policymakers and humanitarians.
For those who participate in the GYI, the experience includes:
- Presenting research papers. Students share findings and recommendations on food security topics in roundtable discussions led by global leaders in science, industry and policy.
- Networking. Interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates, international experts, and peers from around the world.
- Immersion experiences. Visit local agricultural sites and participate in hands-on activities.
- Attending the Borlaug Dialogue. A premier symposium featuring over 1,000 global leaders from 65 countries discussing food security and sustainability.
Benefits for students include:
- Publication. Student papers are published in the GYI Proceedings.
- Recognition. Participants are named Borlaug Scholars.
- Career pathways. Exposure to careers in agriculture, science and international development.
- Internships and fellowships. Attendees may apply for the:
- Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, and eight-week research assignments at international research centers.
- USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowship, an opportunity with U.S. government agencies.
- Skill development. Research, writing, critical thinking, cultural awareness, leadership and public speaking.
Attending the GYI opens doors to a wide range of careers and jobs related to food security, agriculture and global development. Some of the opportunities that participants might increase awareness of or explore, include:
- Agriculture and food systems. Agronomist/crop scientist (research and improve crop production), soil scientist (study soil health and sustainability), agricultural engineer (design systems for efficient farming and food processing).
- Science and technology. Biotechnologist/geneticist (develop resilient crops and improve food quality), food scientist (innovate in food safety, nutrition and processing), data analyst in agriculture (use artificial intelligence and data for precision farming).
- Global development and policy. International development specialist (work with non-government organizations or agencies on hunger and poverty reduction), policy analyst (shape agricultural and food security policies), humanitarian program manager (lead food aid and sustainability projects).
- Environmental and sustainability: Climate scientist (address climate impacts on agriculture), sustainability consultant (help organizations adopt eco-friendly practices), natural resource manager (manage land, water and biodiversity for food systems).
- Education and advocacy: Extension educator (teach communities about sustainable agriculture), food security advocate (work with nonprofits to influence policy and awareness), science communicator (share research and innovations with the public).
- Industry and business: Agri-business manager (oversee operations in agriculture supply and service-type companies), supply chain analyst (ensure efficient food distribution globally), agriculture technology entrepreneur (develop technology solutions for farming and food security).
Has this sparked interest? Do you know of a young person who should consider joining the World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute (WFPMIYI) pre-college program as a steppingstone toward being a potential delegate to the GYI? The WFPMIYI takes place in early May. To learn more about the content, resources, and timelines, visit the WFPMIYI website.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.
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