Are you a high school student who is curious about agriculture, food systems, the environment, or solving real-world challenges? The North Carolina Youth Institute (NCYI) is an opportunity to turn that curiosity into research, build new skills, and connect with researchers and mentors at NC State University.
Through NCYI, high school youth choose a global challenge related to food security, agriculture, natural resources, health, or sustainability and investigate potential solutions. Students develop a research paper and presentation while building skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and communication. Participants also have opportunities to learn about NC State research, explore STEM and agricultural careers, and connect with other students who want to make a difference.
Registration is now open for the NCYI Fall Research Mentoring Cohort! Register by Monday, September 21st. Students who participate in the virtual fall mentoring program will be matched with trained mentors (NCSU Graduate students and agriculture industry professionals) who will help them:
- Select and refine a research topic
- Find credible information and evaluate potential solutions
- Strengthen their research paper
- Develop confidence communicating their ideas
- Learn more about college, research, and STEM career pathways
The mentoring program is designed to support students throughout the research process, you do not need to already be an expert or have a completed research project to participate.
Fall 2026 Virtual Research Cohort Dates
- Tuesday, September 22nd 6pm-7pm, Zoom Meeting
- Tuesday, October 13th 6pm-7pm, Zoom Meeting
- Tuesday, November 3rd 6pm-7pm, Zoom Meeting
- Tuesday, November 17th 6pm-7pm, Zoom Meeting
- Tuesday, December 1st (Optional) 6pm-7pm, Zoom Meeting
- Papers Due: Friday, December 4th
Students then present their research through a poster and roundtable discussion at the North Carolina Youth Institute at NC State, where they will share their ideas, engage with researchers and professionals, and experience agricultural and STEM research firsthand.
Ready to get started? Visit ncyi.ncsu.edu to learn more about the NC Youth Institute and register for the Fall Research Mentoring Cohort.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
Liz Driscoll (liz_driscoll@ncsu.edu) and Sarah Dinger (sarah_dinger@ncsu.edu)
