Youth Institutes In Michigan, Minnesota Foster Solutions to Global Problems

Michigan State University hosted the 11th annual Michigan Youth Institute, an inspiring day of learning, collaboration and innovation focused on addressing global food security challenges. 

The event was held in partnership with the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU International Studies and Programs, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan 4-H, Michigan 4-H Foundation, and the Michigan Farm Bureau.

This year’s Institute brought together 109 high school students from across Michigan, each of whom presented research papers on critical global issues. These young changemakers engaged with 40 MSU colleges and departments, exploring the intersections of agriculture, science, art and international development through a series of immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

The day began with an inspiring virtual keynote from Nathan Laurenz, an alumnus of the World Food Prize Foundation youth program and currently the Invertebrate Research & Development Manager at WholeSnail, a sustainable snail farming initiative in Singapore. Nathan urged students to think beyond borders and imagine bold solutions to end hunger and malnutrition around the world.

Loren King attended the Michigan Youth Institute in 2015, which had a tremendous impact on not only his career path, but on his understanding of the world and agriculture. 

“Coming from rural Michigan, it was really eye opening to be able to walk into a room and try a virtual reality headset, try soy bean ice cream and meet people who had changed wheat varieties and social structures around the world,” King said. “I am excited to see those opportunities emerge for students who get the same chances as I did; not only to grow their skills and knowledge, but also meet those people who might shape their future.”

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of immersive experiences, including:

• Beal Botanical Garden with Maeve Bassett

• Bug House with Amanda Lorenz

• Dairy Cattle Metabolic Physiology & Global Connections with Dr. Barry Bradford and Paiton McDonald

• Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum with Meghan Collins

• Fish Pathology and Immunology Lab with Dr. Bartolomeo Gorgoglione

• Meat Lab – Food Safety through R&D with Erika Eckhardt and Melanie Pimentel Concepción

• Plant and Soil Science Lab with Dr. Addie Thompson

• MSU School of Packaging with Cimberly Weir

In addition to their academic engagement, students gave back to the community by decorating more than 300 meal bags for Kids'​ Food Basket, helping provide nutritious meals to youth experiencing food insecurity in Michigan.

Educators attending the event also had the opportunity to engage with 4-H’s Food for Thought Curriculum, gaining tools and insights to extend global food conversations into their classrooms and communities.

The day concluded on a sweet note with ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store, celebrating a successful event filled with curiosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating a food-secure future.

With enthusiastic participation from Michigan Youth Institute alumni now serving as speakers, immersion leaders and volunteers, this year’s Institute not only reflected the strength of its legacy but also the growing impact of youth voices in global development.

Minnesota Youth Institute

The Minnesota Youth Institute, hosted by the CFANS | U of M College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences convened 84 students from 31 schools for a full day of experiential learning, networking and exploration of global food and agriculture issues.

The event opened with remarks from Mary Buschette, Minnesota Youth Institute coordinator, who provided context for the day’s events and emphasized the importance of youth leadership in shaping the future of agriculture. Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation, also delivered remarks, highlighting the critical role of innovation and civic engagement in tackling global food insecurity.

Students participated in small-group immersion sessions focused on real-world agricultural topics, followed by expert roundtables that facilitated deeper discussion. The midday keynote was delivered by Dr. Jeffrey Stamp, who spoke about the role of curiosity in driving innovation. Stamp, a long-time expert at Minnesota Youth Institute, later praised the cohort as “one of the most brilliant groups of students” he had seen at the event.

An afternoon alumni panel provided attendees with insight into the diverse paths available within food and agriculture. Moderated by Priscilla Trinh, a 2019 Borlaug-Ruan Intern, former Council of Advisors Youth Representative, and former Youth Institute assistant coordinator, the panel featured alumni who shared their varied experiences and encouraged students to remain open-minded, engaged, and curious. Panelists underscored that there is no singular path into agriculture—diversity of background, discipline and interest enriches the field.

Throughout the day, several alumni of the Borlaug-Ruan Internship and World Food Prize Youth Programs returned as subject matter experts, including Priscilla Trinh, Chase Krug, Glen Morris and Jessica (Blosberg) Petroske. Their participation highlighted the strength of the broader Youth Institute alumni network and the enduring impact of youth engagement in agriculture.

"Through my experiences with the Minnesota Youth Institute and the World Food Prize Foundation, I was given opportunities to gain confidence in introducing myself to others, including heads of state and other influential figures, and skills for how to work with a variety of personalities," Petroske said. " I continue to return to MNYI in an effort to encourage today's students to take the same opportunities and see what can become of them."

The 2025 Minnesota Youth Institute not only provided students with practical experiences and mentorship but also reinforced a shared commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing food challenges.

Northern Great Plains Youth Institute

The University of Minnesota Crookston proudly hosted the Northern Great Plains Youth Institute, welcoming 16 bright and passionate students for a day of inspiration, learning and action. The event, rooted in the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, celebrated student voices and their potential to drive positive change in global food systems.

The day began with a heartfelt welcome from Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, who spoke to the power of youth engagement in addressing critical global challenges. She reflected on the life and legacy of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Foundation founder Norman Borlaug—an alumnus of the University of Minnesota—emphasizing his role in launching the Green Revolution and inspiring generations to fight hunger worldwide. Her words set the tone for a day filled with purpose and connection.

In the spirit of service and community, students later participated in a hands-on activity supporting the Allen & Freda Community Garden. Together, they created colorful, functional garden signs to prepare the space for the growing season—a contribution that supports ongoing efforts to improve local food access and security.

The day concluded with a joyful Closing Ceremony held in the Prairie Lounge, where students were formally recognized for their dedication and hard work. In a moment of well-earned celebration, each participant was named a Borlaug Scholar—an honor that connects them to a global network of young leaders committed to ending hunger and improving food systems.

The 2025 Northern Great Plains Youth Institute was not just a day of events—it was a launchpad for future changemakers. As these students return to their communities, they carry with them new insights, inspiration and a deepened commitment to building a more sustainable and food-secure world.