Empowering youth: Ohio delegation takes part in 30th Global Youth Institute

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In a celebration of leadership and innovation, five exceptional high school students from Ohio recently represented the state at the 30th Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. This prestigious event, hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation, brought together more than 100 students from across the United States and other countries to tackle pressing global challenges, including food security, poverty, and environmental sustainability.

The Global Youth Institute experience is supported by Ohio 4-H, the youth development arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Ohio 4-H, which is led through Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES, offers 4-H programs to youth in all 88 of Ohio's counties.

The students chosen to participate in this year's Global Youth Institute are exemplary representatives of Ohio's commitment to youth leadership, said Margo Overholt-Seckel, program manager for Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways and coordinator of the Ohio Youth Institute.

"This experience allows students to understand the global reach of their work and inspires them to make meaningful contributions to issues impacting people worldwide," Overholt-Seckel said. "The ideas and passion these young leaders bring to the table are invaluable as we strive to address complex food security challenges."

The group included three students from Dublin Coffman High School in Dublin, Ohio: Zara Iqbal, a junior, and Amelie Anderson and Audrey Price, both seniors. They were joined by two students from Bio-Med Science Academy in Portage County, Ohio: Liam Basta and Sadie Hovis, both sophomores. The students were accompanied by Heidi Hisrich, a science teacher at Bio-Med Science Academy, and guided by Overholt-Seckel.

The Global Youth Institute experience, which is also supported by Farm Credit Mid-America, reflects Ohio's commitment to empowering young people through education and leadership development. This opportunity connects Ohio youth with pathways to future careers in agriculture, sustainability, and global development, according to David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension.

"Ohio is proud to support young people committed to solving the world's biggest challenges," Civittolo said. "The Global Youth Institute is a transformative experience that shapes their perspectives on global issues, instills a commitment to service, and encourages lifelong learning."

Now in its 30th year, the Global Youth Institute provides Ohio youth with the opportunity to engage in roundtable discussions, present their research on innovative agricultural solutions, and participate in activities alongside Nobel and World Food Prize laureates, government officials, and industry leaders. Students also collaborate with peers from other states and countries, exploring ways to bring their knowledge back to their communities, fostering both local and global impact.

Ohio 4-H is the largest youth development program in Ohio, reaching more than 84,000 youth across the state. Through 4-H clubs, camps, and educational programs, Ohio 4-H empowers young people with skills in leadership, citizenship, communication, and community service. Nationally, 4-H serves over 6 million youth, making it the largest youth development organization in the United States.

For more information on how Ohio youth can get involved in future events such as the Global Youth Institute, please contact Overholt-Seckel or visit go.osu.edu/oyi. The next Ohio Youth Institute is on April 14, 2025, at Ohio State, with registration due by March 12, 2025.