CALS welcomed students from five different high schools in both Illinois and Wisconsin on May 7 for the 11th annual Wisconsin Youth Institute. During the Institute, students presented their research papers and proposed solutions of a global food security topic, engaged in hands-on immersion activities with CALS research labs, and learned from CALS faculty about the challenges of sustainably and equitably feeding a growing global population. 

Dean Gillaspy helped welcome the students to campus and kicked off the event, followed by an interactive case study exercise with Jeri-Barak Cunningham, professor of plant pathology associate dean of academic affairs. This helped set students up for a day of thoughtful and engaging conversation among their peers and mentors.

Throughout the Institute, participants were challenged to not only think globally, but about how people in the United States and Wisconsin also face food security issues such as clean water, barriers to access and the impacts of climate change. At the end of the day, the students’ accomplishments as Borlaug Scholars are recognized, and they are encouraged to take all they’ve learned to be better global citizens and future hunger fighters.