World Food Prize Foundation Selects Six Students for Prestigious George Washington Carver Internship Program

The World Food Prize Foundation announced today the selection of six students for its prestigious George Washington Carver (GWC) Internship program this spring. Each academic semester and summer, highly qualified students are selected for this unique opportunity. These  students will play an essential role in the execution of the World Food Prize Foundation’s variety of high-profile events. This program, along with the Foundation’s other endeavors, has drastically pivoted during the Coronavirus pandemic, allowing interns the opportunity to work virtually, in the office, or even a hybrid approach, while still keeping the same strong goal of creating an exceptional learning opportunity.

“I am excited to learn more about the mechanisms behind how the World Food Prize conducts major events such as the Borlaug Dialogue and Laureate Announcement Ceremony,” said Neha Middela, GWC Spring intern. “I am also excited to work on the research and storytelling aspects in order to bring the stories of the Laureates to a broader audience.”

The opportunity to complete this internship virtually allowed a diverse group of applicants. Six interns from Grand View University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and Yale University will be welcomed into the GWC internship program. The six interns are studying various disciplines like agriculture, education, political science, history, anthropology and public health.

Each intern will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced mentors to further their goals and dive into their respective passions. The internship focuses on developing the student’s professional and educational experience, but there are also many opportunities to make an impact through working on the World Food Prize’s missions.

“I am excited about this role not only to further my education and experience working within agriculture but also to further the World Food Prize’s philanthropic pursuits,” said Julie Anderson, GWC Spring intern. “The Foundation’s goals of educating the youth about agriculture, gathering international leaders to discuss food issues, and decreasing global food insecurity are all meaningful purposes that I am excited to help progress.”

To learn more about the George Washington Carver Internship Program, visit www.worldfoodprize.org/gwcintern

Spring 2021 Interns

1. Julie Anderson | Iowa State University | Class of 2022 | janderson@worldfoodprize.org
2. Kristine Do | Grand View University |Class of 2022 | kdo@worldfoodprize.org
3. Molly Hart | Grand View University | Class of 2021 | mhart@worldfoodprize.org
4. Neha Middela | Yale University | Class of 2023 | nmiddela@worldfoodprize.org
5. Holly Paulsen | University of Iowa | Class of 2022 | hpaulsen@worldfoodprize.org
6. Maddie Smith | University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | Class of 2022 | msmith@worldfoodprize.org

About the World Food Prize Foundation: The World Food Prize Foundation elevates innovations and inspires action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all. The Foundation supports this through a variety of innovative programs year-round including by: recognizing and rewarding individuals making exceptional achievements in addressing food security; convening global leaders in Des Moines each year to address the latest issues and innovations in food and agriculture; inspiring, recognizing and empowering students around the world by providing educational and professional experiences on pressing food security and agriculture issues; and addressing Iowa’s challenges and successes in fighting hunger and poverty.