About the Missouri Youth Institute
The Missouri Youth Institute is a life-changing experience at the University of Missouri where high school students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Missouri and around the world. The Missouri Youth Institute is hosted by the University of Missouri with the generous support of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Missouri 4-H, and the Missouri FFA.
Date: May 2, 2025
Venue: University of Missouri
Registration Deadline: April 15, 2025
Student Registration Adult Registration
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the Missouri Youth Institute, high school students research an issue related to food security and write a paper under the supervision of a teacher or mentor. If preferred, email the coordinators to be connected with a MYI alumni to serve as your mentor.
Cost: There is no registration cost to participate in the Institute and meals will be provided during the event. However, both student and teacher/mentor participants must organize their own transportation to and from the event in Missouri.
Eligibility: Ninth through twelfth grade students are eligible to participate in the Missouri Youth Institute.
Global Challenge Instructions Sample Student Paper
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the Missouri Youth Institute earn recognition as a Borlaug Scholar and become eligible to be invited as a student delegate to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. Participating high school students have the opportunity to:
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Present research and recommendations on ways to solve key global challenges in a short speech and small group discussions with leading agriculture experts;
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Connect with other student leaders from across Missouri to share ideas, identify solutions to these problems and build lasting friendships;
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Explore the issues, current research and opportunities to make a difference with organizations based in Missouri; and
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Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in Missouri working to improve food security around the world.
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Papers will be evaluated by the World Food Prize Board of Reviewers. Reviewers provide feedback to each student who participates in the Youth Institute.
For any questions about the Missouri Youth Institute, please contact: the Missouri Youth Institute team at youthinstitute@missouri.edu.