World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute alumni support the 2026 event
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EmailReturning Borlaug Scholars support youth participants and demonstrate how this precollege program can have a lasting impact on future education and career goals.
Complex, global challenges require new, creative solutions to address food security, now and in the future. Including the next generation of scholars is vital to designing out-of-the-box methods and creating positive impact across the world. Michigan State University Extension and 4-H are doing just that.
The World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute (WFPMIYI) is a one-day precollege program that gives students the opportunity to present research and make recommendations on how to solve key global challenges. With support from MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU International Studies and Programs, Michigan 4-H, The World Food Prize Foundation, The Michigan 4-H Foundation and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, WFPMIYI brings students, program alumni and content experts together to discuss and offer viable solutions to create a more food-secure world for all while building workforce readiness skills.
Amongst the many benefits of precollege programs, Brown University indicates that networking with peers and faculty "provide a unique opportunity to meet other motivated students and instructors. Building these connections can lead to lasting friendships and mentorship opportunities, which can be beneficial in college and future careers."
Former WFPMIYI participants that came back this year as alumni shared program impact while enhancing the 2026 event, which took place on May 7, on the MSU campus in East Lansing, Michigan. Twelve youth alumni plus two adult alumni served as experts for the 80 participants; representing 13% of experts for the program. Melissa Elischer, an academic specialist in the MSU Department of Animal Science, served as an expert and facilitated a roundtable discussion at the WFPMIYI. Elischer shared that the alumnus in their roundtable "reminded peers that they were in their shoes just a couple of years ago and were very encouraging and affirming to the students."
Alum Maddie Bushard talked with Brian Wibby, WFPMIYI co-coordinator, and thanked the program for the opportunity to still be a part of WFPMIYI. She was excited to be back as an expert and remembered how nervous she was as a participant. The experience was very different for Maddie serving as an expert and she was happy to support the next group of Borlaug Scholars.
Lilian Bates was one of the alumni that was unable to attend as an expert this year, but her correspondence was so exciting. "I will be attending MSU as a part of the Honors College to study psychology and political science. I’m hoping to pursue diplomacy or international law. I look forward to seeing you in the future!" In previous conversations, Lilian had shared that her secondary education plans and aspirations were directly influenced by her experiences with WFPMIYI and her trip to the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute.
These reflections from alumni highlight the lasting impacts the WFPMIYI has on participants: creating a population that understands the value of the program and are eager to encourage and work with students who are sitting where once did just a few years ago.
The WFPMIYI is open to all middle and high school students in Michigan. For the most up-to-date information and to learn more, keep an eye on the program’s webpage or reach out to co-coordinators Debra Barrett or Brian Wibby.
