National Hispanic Institute

About the Midwest Great Debate

Through the years, NHI has cultivated relations with a significant number of universities, mostly private, as reference possibilities when selecting their preferences. As members of NHI’s College Register, these institutions are located throughout the U.S. and usually attend NHI college fairs and admission workshops that give them one-on-one communication with NHI students.

On different occasions some of these institutions go a step further. They realize the importance of placing young minds in environments that excite the possibilities of college and make higher education real in their lives.

This year, Augustana College will host the Midwest GD. At the Great Debate students will go through a journey at Rock Island, IL to improve their language skills and word management while working together to bring home the silver cup.

We look forward to seeing you at the Midwest Great Debate!

What is the cost of the Great Debate?

Tuition for the Great Debates covers six days on a college in dorms, a full meal plan, private access to training areas, a college day exclusively for program participants, a staff-student ratio of one adult to every fifteen students, supplies and materials, a commemorative program T-Shirt, a certificate of participation, and a highly-motivating curriculum. Upon official acceptance to the program, NHI requires a 150.00 USD non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Families manage tuition in various ways from setting up an approved payment plan, seeking out sponsors, easy online fundraising, or even qualify for special select community grants. NHI makes it a point to work with each family on their specific plans for tuition.

Students who complete in the Great Debate will be granted all the rights, privileges, and honors of NHI membership, so long as they remain in good standing and will hence be invited to future opportunities for personal development as well as volunteerism and faculty development within the organization.

The cost of the Great Debate 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 :

Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)
Great Debate Non-Refundable Deposit - $150
Great Debate Tuition: $695 (does not include the $150 deposit)

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.

About Augustana College

Our students live where they learn, and what they love to do infuses their lives on campus and after graduation. The campus culture builds a passion for connecting what we learn with everything else that makes us who we are.

Augustana Vikings are in the Top 10 in the nation, all divisions, and #1 in Illinois for Academic All-Americans: students who excel equally in their academics and their sport.

Advisors and mentors, so you can reach your goals. Being the focus of your professors and mentors means you won’t have to go it alone. You’ll have a first-year advisor, a first-year peer group, and an advisor in each of your major and minor fields.

Through CORE (Careers, Opportunities, Research, Exploration, you’ll find a customized network of advisors and career coaches, plus access to extraordinary hands-on learning experiences.

Amazing opportunities to explore like never before. It would be nearly impossible to not take at least one internship, complete an inspiring research or creative project (maybe with a faculty member or your brilliant peers) — or travel for study, research, an internship, or to perform with an ensemble or athletic team. Following your curiosity, you’ll discover new perspectives, questions and solutions. (from www.augustana.edu)

About Rock Island, IL

The City of Rock Island is a full-service community located on the Mississippi River, approximately 175 miles west of Chicago. Rock Island is a major city in what is known as the Quad Cities, a region with a population approaching 400,000 that encompasses Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline, Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa.

Rock Island has great neighborhoods where residents feel at home. There’s a wide variety of housing available in Rock Island including historic homes, new downtown condos, new construction in the heart of the city, and wooded retreats. Rock Island-Milan School District 41, along with private schools, are innovative and prepare students for life. Rock Island offers plenty of options to play. The District (downtown Rock Island) has art galleries and theaters, nightclubs and coffee shops, and restaurants of all flavors. Golf courses, parks, a casino, botanical center, marina, historic tours, bike paths, and festivals will keep you entertained. (from www.rigov.org)