The World Food Prize Foundation Selects Four Students for the Fall 2026 Internship Program

The World Food Prize Foundation announced that four students have been selected for the fall 2026 intern cohort. Since 2001, a group of undergraduate students have joined the Foundation to gain real world experience relating to their field of study. The internship program provides students the ability to take on significant responsibility and initiative within a wide variety of Foundation projects..

During each academic semester, the interns are selected and then paired with a mentor to have a hands-on experience in their given position, ranging from public relations, international awards and lectures, graphic design and social media. These outstanding students will leverage their skills to support the Foundation in advancing their mission and explore global issues of food insecurity, sustainability and international development.

"During my time with the World Food Prize Foundation, I hope to continue to develop skills that help foster international and cross-cultural dialogues surrounding crises affecting the global population," said Ava Valencic, fall 2026 Intern. "There is nothing understood better across cultures than the importance of food and advocacy surrounding agricultural access and innovation. The hands-on experience my role gives me in aiding coordination of these conversations is incredibly exciting and a privilege."

The four interns from Drake University, Grinnell College and Iowa State University will play an integral role in the planning and execution of the World Food Prize Week of Events in October. During this week, the interns will assist in managing the schedule of the speakers and Laureates, support social media coverage, design promotional graphics, and help facilitate press conferences.

"Supporting and advocating for global food security is what our founder Norman Borlaug promoted," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "The internship program is one of many ways we get to empower the incoming workforce, allowing them to elevate their voices and promote nutritious food for all populations."

Fall 2026 World Food Prize Foundation Interns

• Armin Salazar | Iowa State University, Class of 2027 | [email protected]
• Ava Valencic | Grinnell College, Class of 2027 | [email protected]
• Grace Jesske | Drake University, Class of 2027 | [email protected]
• Lily Holcomb | Drake University, Class of 2027 | [email protected]

More information about the World Food Prize Foundation internship program can be found at HERE.