Do you know a student who is passionate for global food security?

The World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF) Virtual Youth Institute is a virtual experience where high school students from across the world engage with leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in their own communities and around the world.

Why participate in the WFPF Virtual Youth Institute?

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Explore ways to solve key global challenges with global food security experts;
• Connect with other student leaders from around the world; and
• Strengthen your skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and public speaking.

How it works:

1. Interested students identify a mentor and complete the registration form below by May 6, 2026. 

2. Students then research and write a Global Challenge essay under their mentor's supervision and with AITC-SK's support. 

3. Students register and submit their essay for one of four Virtual Youth Institutes. 

4. Students will attend their selected Virtual Youth Institute to present their research paper, engage in small group discussions, and connect with fellow student leaders. 

5. Papers are evaluated by the World Food Prize Board of Reviewers, who will provide thoughtful, personalized feedback to each student. 

6. The World Food Prize Board of Reviewers may select one delegate to represent Saskatchewan in-person at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, October 20-22, 2026. 

The Global Youth Institute is an exciting three-day program where young leaders interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates and the more than 1,000 global leaders from 65 countries attending. Funding is available to support travel costs for the mentor and student, thanks to the support of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. Funding is dependent on the number of students from Saskatchewan invited to the Global Youth Institute.

How to apply: 

Students currently in Grades 9 to 12 are invited to apply by completing the registration form below by May 6, 2026. 

Resources to help you prepare:

• Application Preparation - provides registration requirements. Prepare information ahead of time as you will not be able to save progress on your registration. 
• Global Challenge Paper - provides guidance and requirements for your research paper (a paragraph overview is required for registration). 
• Virtual Youth Institute Poster - provides a snapshot of how to participate. 

Important Dates:

• May 6, 2026: Deadline to register with AITC-SK. 
• May 7 – May 20, 2026: Deadline to register for a Virtual Youth Institute on the WFPF website and submit your paper, depending on the virtual session you choose. 
• June 2 – June 10, 2026: Attend one of the Virtual Youth Institutes that are held during this period. 
• July - August, 2026: The World Food Prize Foundation notifies successful delegates invited to the Global Youth Institute. 
• October 20-22, 2026: Selected delegate(s) and mentor(s) attend the Global Youth Institute.  

Apply Now!

Please contact Greg at littlegreenthumbs@aitc.sk.ca with any questions.

*For students invited to attend the Global Youth Institute, The World Food Prize Foundation covers the cost of food and accommodations for the student and mentor during the event. The WFPF also provides a travel allowance to the student (only) to help cover flights. There is a $250 GYI registration fee for the mentor. Depending on the number of students invited, AITC-SK may offer funding to the student and mentor to cover travel costs. The student/mentor MUST register with AITC-SK to be considered for funding support.*