World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute Reaches a Record Number of Iowa High Schools
Last week, the eighth annual World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute brought together 304 students from 130 high schools at Iowa State University to explore critical global food security issues and discover academic and career paths in STEM fields. Waukee APEX works with the World Food Prize and participate in the Hunger Summit and host an international speaker in October each year. Sixty-eight APEX and Waukee High School students completed the research and wrote the Hunger Challenge Paper this year.
The World Food Prize Hunger Summit, Iowa Youth Institute, Global Youth Institute, WFP International Internships and other connections with the World Food Prize helps APEX be able to do this.
The Iowa Youth Institute has hosted participants from over 71 percent of Iowa high schools since its inaugural event in 2012 and has been referred to as the most unique and innovative event that inspires Iowa high school students to become global leaders.
“In gathering here for this event, I know that Dr. Norman Borlaug would want you to focus on the important mission of eliminating hunger around the world. It was that objective that motivated him every day of his life. It was that mission that took him from his boyhood farm in Northeast Iowa to Mexico, India, Pakistan, China, Africa, and all around the world,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “My hope for all of you is that, having been here today, you will carry with you a part of Dr. Borlaug’s legacy and that as a member of the next generation of young Iowans, you will commit yourself to continue your education, build your careers, and conduct your lives focused on that goal, that unites us all and makes us so very proud to be Iowans: using the power of science and STEM to feed the world.”
Mentored by Cindy Snell from Waukee APEX, Mia Hiveley researched infectious diseases in Mali; Makenzie Cinnamon researched water scarcity in Egypt; Abigail Elliott researched malnutrition in Madagascar; Samantha Winn researched animal health in Mexico; Autumn Eggers researched water and sanitation in the Philippines; Eliza Frentress researched malnutrition in Rwanda; Makayla Genck researched renewable energy in Greece; Aliya Warth researched water scarcity in Zimbabwe; Nick Keller researched foreign aid in Haiti; Vincent Vanyo researched climate volatility in Uganda; Ruqaya Alturfee researched human rights in Yemen; Abby Vogel researched water and sanitation in Haiti; Kara Smith researched conflict in Zimbabwe; Meagan Parkins researched conflict in Guatemala.
“This program is a great opportunity to research issues facing our world and look at solutions,” said Cindy Snell, Agriculture & FFA Advisor instructor. “One of our goals is to improve global competency in every Associate (student).”
This innovative experience encourages students to explore academic and career paths in fields related to STEM, agriculture and global development and aims to inspire the next generation of leaders through authentic research presentations and networking opportunities with global experts.
In 2018, the Iowa Youth Institute hosted a record participation of 309 students from 134 schools and aims to reach every school in Iowa to encourage students to pursue hunger-fighting career paths in science, technology, and policy. This one-day event is offered at no cost to teachers or students. More details are available at www.worldfoodprize.org/iowayouth.
