The Minnesota Youth Institute (MNYI) gives high school students in grades 9 - 12 the opportunity to learn more about global food security challenges and connect with experts in agriculture, nutrition, economics, and policy. MNYI is part of the World Food Prize Youth Institutes network, with pathways to further experiences and the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa.
About MNYI
- The Minnesota Youth Institute (MNYI) is hosted each spring by the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) on the St. Paul campus.
- Prior to the event, students independently research a pressing global food or agriculture issue and write a Global Challenge research paper.
- At the MNYI event, they then share their findings in round table discussions with experts and other students. Also part of the event are hands-on activities, tours of CFANS facilities, and opportunities to meet current CFANS students and faculty.
- All participants are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship to CFANS as well as World Food Prize internships and fellowships. All participants also receive the designation of Borlaug Scholar in honor of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and UMN alumnus Dr. Norman Borlaug, whose research into wheat production is credited with saving over a billion lives.
- Top MNYI presenters may be selected to represent Minnesota at the Global Youth Institute, held in Des Moines, Iowa, each October.
Students: Get Started!
Key information for students participating in the Minnesota Youth Institute.
Eligibility
High school students, grades 9 - 12, residing in Minnesota.
Key 2026 Program Dates
- Registration deadline: March 27, 2026
- Paper submission deadline: April 3, 2026
- MNYI event date: May 14, 2026
Benefits of Participating
- Gain awareness of global issues
- Practice research and public speaking skills
- Network with peers, university faculty, and industry experts
- Borlaug Scholar recognition
- Eligible for a $1,000 scholarship to CFANS
- Opportunity to advance to the Global Youth Institute
How to Participate
1. Register to indicate your interest in the program and start receiving information about the event.
The deadline to register is March 27, 2026 but we recommend registering ASAP! You do not need to have a completed paper to register.
2. Choose a Global Challenge topic related to food security.
Use the very helpful planning document created by the World Food Prize. Find more information about common topics on their website.
3. Write a Global Challenge paper independently using World Food Prize guidelines.
- Check out this sample paper from the World Food Prize Foundation or take a look at previous student papers.
- Students are expected to complete their work independently and follow MNYI research guidelines. Make sure to read the MNYI AI Use Policy.
- Check your paper against the scoring rubric.
- We strongly encourage students to find a mentor to support their research and writing process. Mentors can find more resources in the Supporters section below.
4. Submit your paper and permission form (emailed to you) by April 3, 2026.
ALL students who submit a paper and the required permission form will be invited to attend the MNYI and receive all of the benefits of attendance. There is no singular “winner”.
5. Present your research at MNYI on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus on May 14, 2026.
- Presentations occur in small roundtable groups consisting of 6 - 8 students and 2 - 3 experts. Each student will have 3 minutes to share their researched solutions followed by 3 minutes of discussion and questions. Students are able to bring one notecard but should not read directly from it. View the scoresheet.
- The presentation is only one part of the event! Check out this example agenda for the day (specific details will be shared with participants once they have registered).
- New this year! While teachers and adult chaperones are welcome to join us for the day (and should fill in this form to let us know they are coming), they are not required to attend. MNYI participants will be guided through the event by undergraduate students from CFANS.
Supporters: How to Help
MNYI relies on a team of dedicated supporters to help students succeed including teachers, mentors, experts, and volunteers. Thank you!
Teachers & Mentors
- Your mentorship during the research and writing process is critical! Please help the students to observe the deadlines, guidelines, and fully utilize the resources linked above.
- New this year! While teachers and adult chaperones are welcome to join us for the event, they are not required to attend. MNYI student participants will be guided through the event by CFANS staff and students.
- Register if you are attending the MNYI with student participants.
- While the students are engaged in their activities, there will be opportunities for teachers and mentors to network and share resources.
- Resources for you:
- Guidance for teachers and mentors as they help students navigate the MNYI AI Policy
- MN Ag in the Classroom has produced materials for teaching Global Food Security
- Join the Global Teach Ag Network Global Guides program
Experts & Volunteers
- There are a number of ways to support the day:
- Experts: Facilitate the roundtable discussions of a small group of students as they present their research and engage in follow up discussions.
- Volunteers: Support the activities of the day, for example staffing check-in, setting up lunch, and cleaning up.
- MNYI Alumni: We’d love to have you back! Join us in whichever role is most comfortable to you (expert or volunteer) and/or indicate if you’d like to be a part of a brief panel discussion of the experience.
- Email [email protected] to receive more information about being an expert or a volunteer.
All Supporters
Please help to get the word out to students!
- Distribute the 2026 program flyer and/or direct them to this website (https://mnyi.cfans.umn.edu/).
- Supporters are welcome to share any graphics released by the MNYI on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Do parents or guardians have to attend the MNYI event?
No, they do not have to. By completing the required permission form (received via email after the student registers), the students will be chaperoned in small groups by UMN students and staff.
Can parents or guardians attend the MNYI event if they want to?
Yes! While they cannot join the small group roundtable discussions, they are welcome to listen to the keynote presentation and other large group sessions. Register here to attend. Please note, however, that the students will be placed in small groups with their peers separate from any parent/guardians who attend. Each student participant is limited to a maximum of one adult family member to accompany them to the event.
What is the MNYI event like?
Check out this example agenda for the day (specific details will be shared with participants once they have registered). Note that a light breakfast as well as lunch are provided.
Is there a dress code for the MNYI?
Students are encouraged to dress business casual, whatever that looks like for them. We also recommend that they wear layers and comfortable shoes as they will be walking around campus and in outdoor spaces. They should also bring a water bottle as there are multiple filling stations on campus.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, there is no cost to participate in the program.
How can parents or guardians support the student in their work prior to the MNYI event?
Like a teacher or mentor, you can help them through the research and writing process. Please help the students to observe the deadlines, guidelines, and fully utilize the resources linked above.
Questions?
Contact Cathleen Drilling ([email protected]), CFANS Director of Strategic Outreach. Find other resources for high school students and educators on our CFANS Youth Outreach page including sign up for our monthly newsletter CFANS Pathways.