Do you have a passion 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:

• Discuss ways to solve key global challenges with global food security experts;
• Connect with other student leaders from around the world;
• Work to end hunger and improve food security around the world; and
• Be selected to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, in October 28-31 2024, all-expenses-paid.

How it works:

1. Interested students identify a mentor.
2. The student and mentor complete the application form below by May 2, 2024.
3. AITC-SK selects TWO students to represent Saskatchewan. Students will be notified by May 3, 2024.
4. The two selected students will research global issues they care about, and propose their ideas to solve these grand challenges in a five-page essay under the supervision of their mentor to be submitted by May 17, 2024.
5. The two selected students and mentors will attend the WFPF Virtual Youth Institute on June 7, 2024, where their papers will be evaluated and thoughtful, personalized feedback will be provided to each student.
    

The two selected students will have the opportunity to be invited to attend the Global Youth Institute held every October in Des Moines, Iowa. 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. All expenses will be reimbursed for the mentor and student thanks to the support of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

How to apply: 

Students currently in Grades 9 to 12 are invited to apply by completing the application form below by May 2, 2024. Apply early, strong applications may be accepted before the deadline. AITC-SK will notify all applicants by May 3, 2024. 

Resources to help you prepare for applying:

Application Preparation - provides application requirements. Prepare information ahead of time as you will not be able to save progress on your application.

Research Handbook - provides guidance in choosing the country and topic for your research paper (a paragraph overview is required for applying).

Virtual Youth Institute Poster - provides a snapshot of how to participate.

Important Dates:

May 2, 2024 - Deadline to apply.
May 3, 2024 - AITC-SK will notify the two selected students, who will begin researching and writing their papers.
May 17, 2024 - Deadline to submit student's paper.
June 7, 2024 - Attend the WFPF Virtual Youth Institute.
October 2024 - Selected students attend the Global Youth Institute. 

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