Alabama Youth Institute

Tuskegee University is proud to partner with The World Food Prize Foundation to host the Alabama Youth Institute, supported by the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences; College of Engineering; Tuskegee Center for Advanced Materials; USDA APHIS; National Science Foundation; Alabama 4-H; and the Alabama FFA.

The Alabama Youth Institute is a one-day enrichment event for high school students who are passionate about making a positive impact locally and globally. Participants engage with experts on issues related to food security, climate resilience, engineering solutions, innovation, and community development. Students also participate in hands-on STEM experiences and leadership workshops designed to spark curiosity and promote academic growth.

Each student who completes the program becomes eligible for all-expenses-paid international internships, along with paid summer research or policy placements through the World Food Prize network. In addition, top-performing students may be selected to represent Alabama as delegates at the Global Youth Institute held annually in Des Moines, Iowa — a prestigious international youth summit that brings together emerging leaders from around the world.

Alabama Youth Institute is proudly presented by CAENS

The top 5 percent of competitors from each State Youth Institute are competitively selected as delegates to the Global Youth Institute, held every October in Des Moines, Iowa. The Global Youth Institute is an exciting three-day program where young leaders interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates and the more than 1,000 global leaders from 65 countries attending the World Food Prize's annual international symposium.

Student delegates present papers they have researched and written on a critical aspect of food security, and discuss their findings with international experts and their peers in round table discussions. Each discussion group is led by distinguished global leaders in science, industry and policy. Students also have the opportunity to build lasting friendships through a unique opportunity to connect with other student leaders from across the United States and around the world.

While in Des Moines, delegates tour cutting-edge industrial and research facilities, participate in guided team projects, and attend the World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony in the historic Iowa State Capitol!

Ms. Lakiah Clark
Coordinator / AL Youth Institute
Tuskegee University
2001A Armstrong Hall
Tel: (334) 727-8564
Email: lclark1@tuskegee.edu

All applications must be submitted by April 21, 2026.

*Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.

Students interested in attending the Alabama Youth Institute should locate a mentor and use the Global Challenge Guide to research and write a paper to submit by June 20, 2026. 

Global Challenge Guide

Register and Paper Submission

• How much does it cost to attend?
  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 Tuskegee, AL.

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Tuskegee university has various summer program. CLICK HERE for more information.