The World Food Prize Foundation, in partnership with Drake University, has announced a new internship program featuring two distinct tracks for Iowa students-one supporting farming in rural communities and the other focused on food and agriculture law.

"This partnership ensures we are not only talking about the future of global food security, but actively preparing the next generation to lead it," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "By investing directly in Iowa students and the institutions that prepare them, we are building the leadership and expertise our food systems urgently need. These internships will empower young people to contribute directly to stronger rural communities, more resilient food and agriculture policies and a more food secure world for all."

Established as the World Food Prize Foundation Darling Award and supported by philanthropic donors, the William C. Knapp Charitable Foundation and a major contribution from global agriculture technology leader Syngenta, the program will fund 50 paid internships for Drake students over five years-10 per year. The internships will be evenly divided between Drake University's Jay N. Darling Institute and the Drake Law School.

"Strong, vibrant rural communities are the backbone of our food system," said Jeff Rowe, CEO, Syngenta Group. "Our partnership with the World Food Prize Foundation is essential to ensuring that we invest directly in Iowa students who are committed to improving food security and advancing innovation for farmers. By supporting their growth and expanding opportunities in rural Iowa, we are helping cultivate the next generation of leaders our industry needs while strengthening the communities that sustain global agriculture."

As one of the two academic homes for the new internships, the Jay N. Darling Institute works to empower rural communities through education, research and collaborative action. The Institute inspires leadership and civil discourse while addressing challenges in health care, food systems, natural resources and economic opportunity.

Students selected from the Darling Institute will work on projects that will strengthen food and nutrition security, foster innovation in food and agribusiness, support sustainable agriculture for small and mid-sized farming operations and promote economic development directly in rural Iowa communities, advancing the Foundation's mission to sustainably increase the quantity, quality and availability of food for all.

"This investment creates powerful opportunities for our students to enhance their personal and professional lives in Iowa's vibrant rural communities," said Keith S. Summerville, Paul and Claudia Schickler Executive Director, Jay N. Darling Institute. "Building a strong rural workforce is fundamental to sustaining our communities, and I am confident our students will thrive as they partner with stakeholders across the state to bring value to local economies and food systems."

Students selected for internships from the Drake Law School will be placed with Iowa businesses with departments on food and agriculture law. Founded in 1865, Drake Law School is one of the 25 oldest law schools in the United States and the only law school located in Iowa's capital of Des Moines.

"This partnership embodies Drake Law's longstanding commitment to Iowa's rural communities and to global food security," said Roscoe Jones, Jr., Dean, Drake Law School. "By pairing immersive, paid internships with rigorous academic preparation in food and agricultural law, we are preparing the next generation of lawyers to lead where it matters most-strengthening rural economies, advancing sound policy and helping ensure a more secure and sustainable food system-here in Iowa and around the world."

This partnership underscores the Foundation's longstanding commitment to strengthening Iowa's future-creating opportunities that directly benefit local communities, expand pathways for Iowa students and empower the next generation of leaders who will advance the state's food, agriculture and rural development legacies. Through this program, the Foundation continues to make a tangible and lasting impact on Iowans by building local talent, supporting community resilience and ensuring Iowa remains at the forefront of addressing global food security.