World Food Prize Foundation & Drake Law School Expand Support for Rural Iowa Through New Paid Internship Program

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

The World Food Prize Foundation, in partnership with Drake University Law School, 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 Drake Law School. Students who secure opportunities in rural Iowa law firms are eligible to receive financial aid from this program to support participation in rural legal internships.

“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.”

Law firms interested in hiring a summer law clerk can contact the Career Development office at law-career@drake.edu or 515-271-2982 for more information.