2026 Great Debate

For over three decades, first-year NHI members have come to harness the power of their voices and engage with perspective-changing ideas. The Great Debate offers a rigorous learning experience for high-achieving, high-ability 9th-grade youth who aspire to community and civic leadership roles in the future.

What is the Great Debate?

NHI's Great Debate is a communications and leadership development program for ambitious and courageous young people. If you are or know a young person committed to making meaningful change in the world, and are driven toward building up our community, NHI and the Great Debate experience is a must.

Who should apply:

When you apply:

Submit the name of the NHIer, educator, or community member who nominated you to participate on the team.

Submit the $25 Application Fee

Great Debate Tuition & Information

What Does Tuition Cover?

Four to six days on a college campus in dorms
A full meal plan
Private access to training areas
Staff-student ratio of 1:15
Supplies and materials
Commemorative program T-shirt
Certificate of participation
Highly motivating curriculum

NHI Membership

Students who complete the Great Debate are granted full NHI membership — including access to future leadership programs, volunteer opportunities, and faculty development — as long as they remain in good standing.

2025 Tuition & Fees

Application Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
Great Debate Deposit: $150 (non-refundable)
Great Debate Tuition: $695 (balance after deposit)

Payment & Support

Upon official acceptance, a $150 deposit secures your student’s spot. Families manage tuition in a variety of ways:

Payment plans
Sponsorships
Online fundraising
Community grants

NHI makes it a point to work with each family on their specific plans for tuition and can be reached at +1 (512) 357-6137 during regular office hours or you can email admissions@nhimail.com. Resources for fundraising and requesting sponsorship can be found here: https://www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org/fundraise

Where Leaders Begin...

Explore bold ideas, challenge perspectives, and build community with your team your team—but real leadership goes even further. It’s about using your voice to build something bigger than yourself. Through regional practices, team challenges, and shared wins and losses, you’ll build friendships grounded in trust, laughter, and growth. These connections become a lasting network of support, inspiration, and future opportunity.

Manage yourself in
Global Environments

Challenge ideas. Grow as a leader. Form friendships that extend far beyond the tournament.

Represent your Community
Join the membership. Share your community's story.

Communicate your Ideas with Strategy & Passion
Share your vision with strategy. When you speak with purpose, your voice becomes a tool to influence others.

Celebrate your growth as a rising leader
Uncover your strengths. Sharpen your capacities and broaden your experience. Practice decision-making. Honor your power.

PROGRAM DATES & LOCATIONS

Texas Great Debate (4-Day)
Spring Season Regional Training Required
June 6-9, 2026
Austin College

Sherman, Texas

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Midwest Great Debate (6-Day)
No Pre-Program Training Required
Summer 2026
Augustana College

Rock Island, Illinois

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Texas Star Great Debate (6-Day)
No Pre-Program Training Required
June 2026
Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, Texas

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

California Sol Great Debate (6-Day)
No Pre-Program Training Required
July 2026

California, USA

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Texas Ambassador Great Debate (4-Day)
Spring Season Regional Training Required
Summer 2026
St. Mary's University

San Antonio, Texas

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

LOCAL ALLIANCES & REGIONS

RESOURCES

NOMINATE A STUDENT

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