On April 30, 2025, Iowa State University hosted the 14th Annual World Food Prize Foundation Iowa Youth Institute, welcoming over 350 students and educators to Ames.
Students prepared a research paper and presentation about a global challenge and then presented that research to agriculture and food systems experts, several of whom were faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The day started with a welcome by Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize, former governor of Iowa and US Secretary of Agriculture. Additionally, Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen greeted students and recognized the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, encouraging students to make the most of their experience and seek out opportunities to connect with others at the Institute.
Current ISU student and former Iowa Youth Institute participant, Tyson Fleshner, shared his journey in the classroom and around the world with the Global Resource Systems major, encouraging students to be bold in their presentations, research, and future goals.
Top students at the Iowa Youth Institute will be selected to attend and present their research at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines in October. They will interact with experts and other students from around the world to discuss creative solutions for solving global challenges.
