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What is the CWS?

CWS 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.

The CWS addresses the emotional and psychological factors that impact life plans by providing a process for decision-making called Inquiry Based Learning. Using this process, students team up to take on complex challenges and use inquiry-based processes to offer strategic plans for their future goals.

Part 1 of the CWS - the League Series - features several competitive challenges. Here, participants practice jumping several college admissions hurdles through advanced work on their: College application using national models, essay and personal statement, one-on-one interview, academic resume, and digital professional profile, making sense of financial aid packages.

CWS also features the "Thought Series". In the "Thought Series," students practice investigation, inquiry, and analysis to strengthen their executive faculties to make complex leadership decisions. Through the Thought Series, teams of CWS scholars tackle case studies and challenges they will invariably face in future leadership roles. Teams who do their best in fully examining the possibilities of each challenge are declared the Thought Series champions!

Who is eligible to apply for the CWS?

All students are welcome to apply for the CWS if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

In the 11th grade
Has a GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale
College bound

CWS Documents

What does the admissions process look like?

Complete online registration and submit a $25 registration fee.
Upload a recent report card or transcript (last reporting period for 2022-2023 school year accepted)
Enrollment Office reviews the application within 1-3 business days.
Upon acceptance, please pay a $150 non-refundable deposit within 10 days.
Submit Parent Release Form.
Complete final tuition payment by assigned deadline. (flexible payment plans available).

CWS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

All participating students must:

Upload a copy of their most recent report cards or transcripts upon registration
Read through Parent/Medical Release Form
NHI COVID Policies

What is the cost of the CWS?

The cost of the CWS is broken down into distinct fees, all of which will culminate in supplying your student with the adequate resources for a fulfilling and fun leadership experience.

The CWS tuition & Fees:

Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)
CWS Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of acceptance, non-refundable)
CWS Program Tuition - $720 (does not include the deposit)

NOTE: Additional fees may apply.

What does the payment schedule look like?

NHI will provide details about the payment schedule upon acceptance into the program.

NHI is committed to flexibility - that is, payment plans and fundraising tools are available to all families who request them.

application deadlines

Early Bird Admission

Friday, August 31, 2023

Must be a returning NHI student (must have completed Great Debate or LDZ)
CWS saves $45
Guaranteed Spot at Program of Choice.
May switch program sites through Dec. 31
$25 application fee by August 31
Payment plan options
Meet NHI classmates at NHI’s online events
Win Early Bird NHI Loteria swag

Golden Ticket Admission

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Use CODE: “GOLDENTICKET” when applying
Guaranteed spot at Program of Choice. May switch program sites through Dec. 31
$25 application fee by September 30
Payment plan options
Meet NHI classmates at NHI’s online events
Win NHI Loteria swag Sept 15 - October 15 (apply by Sept 15 to enter the lottery up to four times!)