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NHI PROGRAM DATES

NHI Programs & Events

    • 9 Sep 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
    Register

    Join our team to learn more about the LDZ! 

    Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)

    We invite your child to join us at the Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) to practice living in a creative decision-making process that celebrates the Latino community. Students can expect to cultivate relationships with students from all areas of the United States and Latin America, connect with competitive universities at our College Fair, and get to explore the city they’re in with their peers.

    • 15 Sep 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us to learn more about the Great Debate (GD), a program for 9th grade students to practice their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership in a team-based environment. Students can expect to build confidence, form lasting friendships with peers from across the United States and Latin America, and begin their journey as young leaders in NHI. 

    Our four day experience offers a communal experience throughout the spring semester, building communication skills, community, and confidence as future leaders. Students train locally with their team and staff, culminating in a four-day state-level competition.

    Participating cities: Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, North Texas (DFW), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Monterrey, Mexico, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Students can train with their regions and then will get to compete at one of the two: 

    • Texas Great Debate from June 6-9, 2026 at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, USA

    • Texas Ambassador Great Debate Summer 2026 at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, USA


    • 1 Jun 2026
    • 30 Jul 2026
    • Colorado, USA
    • 148
    Register

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 11th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.2/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    The Collegiate World Series is the National Hispanic Institute’s (NHI) capstone experience for high school juniors preparing for their senior year. Created 30 years ago, it aims to provide future leaders as much insight and practice as possible to prepare for the transition to adulthood, with an emphasis on both college readiness and leadership development. 

    Dates TBA - Late June, 2026.

    • 5 Jun 2026
    • 30 Jul 2026
    • University of Saint Thomas, Houston, Texas.
    • 177
    Register

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 11th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.2/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    The Collegiate World Series is the National Hispanic Institute’s (NHI) capstone experience for high school juniors preparing for their senior year. Created 30 years ago, it aims to provide future leaders as much insight and practice as possible to prepare for the transition to adulthood, with an emphasis on both college readiness and leadership development. 

    Dates TBA - Late July, 2026.

    • 6 Jun 2026
    • 9 Jun 2026
    • Austin College, Sherman, Texas.
    • 273
    Registration is closed

    PROGRAM DATES & LOCATION

    Texas Great Debate | June 6 - 9, 2026
    Austin College
    Sherman, Texas, USA
    https://www.austincollege.edu/
    Only 300 summer spots available.

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (Before August 30)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)

    • Great Debate Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of acceptance)

    • Great Debate Program Tuition - $695  (does not include the deposit)

    NOTE: The Application Fee can be paid later by clicking "INVOICE ME" at checkout.

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY
    • 9th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    The Great Debate is a communications and leadership development program for ambitious and courageous young people. If you're committed to making meaningful change in your world, and you’re driven toward building up your community, NHI is for you.



    • 7 Jun 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • 14 Jun 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
    • 196
    Register


    2026 Dennis Chavez

    New Mexico LDZ

    Youth Legislative Session 

    IMPORTANT:  for New Mexico high school students only


    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    This year’s event will host 150 top students in a weeklong leadership experience on the UNM campus June 7 - 14,  2026, and highlight the legacy of late Dennis Chavez. The program is made possible by special funding from the New Mexico Legislature introduced by State Sen. Michael Padilla.

    Chavez, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1931-1935 and in the U.S. Senate from 1935-1962, was the first Hispanic person elected to a full term in the Senate and the first senator to be born in New Mexico.


    PROGRAM FEES

    • NO APPLICATION OR TUITION FEE -  NM LDZ is fully funded by the New Mexico State Legislature, for students who attend New Mexico schools.   Student tuition is covered if they attend the NM LDZ only.  

    IMPORTANT: Full support for the Dennis Chavez New Mexico LDZ program is made possible through funding by the New Mexico State Legislature for students from New Mexico. Selected students will be named Dennis Chavez Scholars and participate at NO COST other than transportation to and from UNM in Albuquerque.  Transportation assistance will be available for participants from outlying areas who confirm a space by March, 2026.

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

    • 10th or 11th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.2/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • Students from the state of New Mexico
    • Enrollment in a college-bound high school graduation plan

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
    • Must upload a copy of a recent report card or transcript when you register
    • Part 2 of application: Parent/Guardian signatures on the Parent Release and Medical Form
    • Must complete pre-program online orientations before attending the program

    SPACE IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME,

    FIRST SERVE BASIS.


    Accepting applications

    through April,  2026  


    • 9 Jun 2026
    • 14 Jun 2026
    • Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, Texas
    • 149
    Register

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 31)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)
    • Great Debate Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of  acceptance, non-refundable)
    • Great Debate Program Tuition - $695


    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 9th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    The Great Debate is a communications and leadership development program for ambitious and courageous young people. If you're committed to making meaningful change in your world, and you’re driven toward building up your community, NHI is for you.

    Dates TBA. Mid June 2026.





    • 20 Jun 2026
    • 27 Jun 2026
    • Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
    • 65
    Registration is closed

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 31)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)

    • LDZ Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of  acceptance, non-refundable)
    • LDZ Program Tuition - $1150

    NOTE: The Application Fee can be paid later by clicking "INVOICE ME" at the end of the form.

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 10th or 11th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.2/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS


    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    Since 1982, high ability, high achieving 10th and 11th grade students have graduated from the competitive and transformative Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) experience designed for future community leaders. Students form a cohort of 150 delegates ages 16-17 in community positions that propose, review, and adopt policies to advance the Latino community. The week-long quest covers a broad array of skills, competencies, personal growth opportunities, social relevance, and topics of national and international relevance to Latino quality of life.

    • 28 Jun 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • 3 Jul 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois
    • 150
    Register

    PROGRAM DATES & LOCATION

    Midwest Great Debate  | June 28 - July 3, 2026
    Augustana College
    Rock Island, Illinois 
    https://www.augustana.edu/
    Only 150 summer spots available.

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 31)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)

    • Great Debate Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of  acceptance, non-refundable)
    • Great Debate Program Tuition - $695
    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY
    • 9th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    The Great Debate is a communications and leadership development program for ambitious and courageous young people. If you're committed to making meaningful change in your world, and you’re driven toward building up your community, NHI is for you.



    • 1 Jul 2026
    • 30 Jul 2026
    • University of San Diego, San Diego, California.
    • 148
    Register

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 31)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)

    • Great Debate Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of  acceptance, non-refundable)
    • Great Debate Program Tuition - $695


    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 9th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    The Great Debate is a communications and leadership development program for ambitious and courageous young people. If you're committed to making meaningful change in your world, and you’re driven toward building up your community, NHI is for you.

    Dates TBA. Mid July 2026.



    • 5 Jul 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • 8 Jul 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas
    • 198
    Registration is closed

    PROGRAM DATES & LOCATION

    Texas  Ambassador Great Debate | Dates TBA,  Early July 2026
    St. Mary's University
    https://www.stmarytx.edu/
    Only 200 summer spots available.

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (Before August 31)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)

    • Great Debate Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of acceptance)

    • Great Debate Program Tuition - $695  (does not include the deposit)


    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 9th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    The Great Debate is a communications and leadership development program for ambitious and courageous young people. If you're committed to making meaningful change in your world, and you’re driven toward building up your community, NHI is for you.



    • 19 Jul 2026
    • 26 Jul 2026
    • Seton Hall University, New Jersey, USA.
    • 165
    Registration is closed

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 30)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)

    • LDZ Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of  acceptance, non-refundable)
    • LDZ Program Tuition - $1200

    NOTE: The Application Fee can be paid later by clicking "INVOICE ME" at the end of the form.

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 10th or 11th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.2/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    Since 1982, high ability, high achieving 10th and 11th grade students have graduated from the competitive and transformative Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) experience designed for future community leaders. Students form a cohort of 150 delegates ages 16-17 in community positions that propose, review, and adopt policies to advance the Latino community. The week-long quest covers a broad array of skills, competencies, personal growth opportunities, social relevance, and topics of national and international relevance to Latino quality of life.

    Dates TBA. Mid July, 2026.


    • 19 Jul 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • 26 Jul 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
    • 143
    Registration is closed

    PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 30)

    • Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)

    • LDZ Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of  acceptance, non-refundable)
    • LDZ Program Tuition - $1150

    NOTE: The Application Fee can be paid later by clicking "INVOICE ME" at the end of the form.

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY

    • 10th or 11th  grade students
    • Must have a minimum of a 3.2/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better
    • College bound

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    Since 1982, high ability, high achieving 10th and 11th grade students have graduated from the competitive and transformative Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) experience designed for future community leaders. Students form a cohort of 150 delegates ages 16-17 in community positions that propose, review, and adopt policies to advance the Latino community. The week-long quest covers a broad array of skills, competencies, personal growth opportunities, social relevance, and topics of national and international relevance to Latino quality of life.

    Dates TBA. Late July, 2026.



National Hispanic Institute

P.O. Box 220
Maxwell, Texas 78656

+1 (512) 357-6137


Contact Us 



Hours of Operations:

M-F, 8:30am - 12:00pm; 1:30pm - 5:30pm CDT