Texas Youth Institute - College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

World Food Prize Foundation’s 2022 Texas Youth Institute

Friday, March 11
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT

The Texas Youth Institute is a life-changing experience at Texas A&M University where high school students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Texas and around the world. Students research issues they care about, and propose their ideas to solve these grand challenges.

The World Food Prize Foundation’s Texas Youth Institute is hosted by Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with the generous support of the College of Agriculture and Life Science Development Council, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Research. the Texas Hunger Initiative at Baylor University, and the SYSCO Corporation.

More Details

Information for participants

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Texas A&M Agriculture and Life Sciences Building. Paid hourly parking is available in the West Campus Garage (WCG) and in Lots 97 and 100.

Visitor Parking Information

Visitor Parking Map

Presentation requirements

During the event you will be asked to give a three-minute presentation over your written submission and be prepared for questions from the judges and fellow participants.After the presentation, a few minutes of questions will be taken from peers as well as judges regarding the essay and solution(s) presented. Visual aids (PowerPoint, model, poster, etc.) are not allowed. Your presentation should include:

Summary of why the factor and country was selected.
Discussion of the solution(s) presented in your essay.
Any remaining questions or issues you believe would aid in resolving the factor.

Presentation Tips for Competitors

Write for your audience

– Avoid jargon, slang or acronyms
– Explain important concepts to the success of your solution
– Highlight expected outcomes of your solution
– Connect outcomes to the significance of the issue
– Convey your excitement & enthusiasm

Tell a story

– Write an opener to catch attention and summarize by restating the importance of the issue
– Make it relatable to your audience with examples

Have a clear outcome in mind

– Know how you want your story to end
– Have a take away for your audience

Other tips and tricks

– Practice consistently and try to memorize as much as you can
– Ask for feedback when you practice
– Watch your body language and avoid pacing
– Wear clothing you can be comfortable speaking in
– Always have good eye contact

Recommended attire

The recommended dress for the day is business casual. If you are a member of FFA or 4-H organization, you are welcome to wear your official attire. Event coordinators recommend a change of clothes or shoes for the walking tour of campus following the competition.

Forms

Prior to attending Texas Youth Institute, there are a few forms that you will need to download and either email to us or bring with you to the event. If you have medications that you will need to take during the Texas Youth Institute, you will need to download the medication release form and return it by email to Danielle Harris at danielle.harris@ag.tamu.edu by March 11.

Each individual must also complete a media release form if they choose to allow the use of media where you may be identified, such as in press releases, videos and/or photographs.

Forms will be available soon.