What is the Wisconsin Youth Institute?
The Wisconsin Youth Institute (WYI) in partnership with the World Food Prize Foundation, challenges high school students to solve local and global food security issues by connecting agriculture, science, health, economics, policy, social justice, and more.
Students who attend WYI participate in the World Food Prize Foundation’s Global Challenge to complete a research paper on a global food security issue with the assistance of a teacher or mentor. Students will then present that research in a roundtable discussion with small groups at the institute.
The institute itself is a day-long program hosted by the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences at UW-Madison where students will engage with UW-Madison and local experts on issues related to food security, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Wisconsin and around the world.
WYI participants are eligible to apply for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowship, and World Food Prize Foundation Internships. Selected students will be able nominated to attend the Global Youth Institute.
Learn more about WYI and World Food Prize Foundation here.
Resources
Coming soon!
Dates and Registration Information for
WYI 2026
Questions?
Contact Wisconsin Youth Institute Coordinator, Kara Henderlight at kara.henderlight@wisc.edu.
Information to help students research paper topics and common questions.
Information for teachers and mentors supporting participating students.
Learn about the World Food Prize Foundation and Global Youth Institute.
Did you know?
This commemorative plaque in UW–Madison’s Discovery Building honors the university’s pivotal role in launching the Green Revolution. Installed by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), it marks the 1953 meeting between Dr. Norman Borlaug and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan—two scientists whose collaboration dramatically increased global food production and helped combat hunger worldwide. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Green Revolution, UW–Madison continues to lead in agricultural innovation and global impact.
Are you passionate about solving food security challenges at home and around the world?
CALS at UW-Madison offers world renown academic programs that provide students with hands-on experience doing just that!
Office of Academic Affairs
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Office Hours: 7:45am – 4:30pm
For current & prospective student general inquiries:
Phone: 608.262.3003
Email: academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu