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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.
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.
The Texas 4-Day Great Debates serve as an opportunity for students from NHI's biggest regions to gather and prepare for the experience. While the programs are held in the summer, our four-day model engages students locally throughout the spring to train and develop their skills. These programs are the result of months of community-building, personal growth, and collective preparation. Students leave knowing they’ve contributed to something greater than themselves and taken the first step in a lifelong journey of leadership.
TEXAS GREAT DEBATEJUNE 6-9, 2026 Austin College Sherman, Texas Participating Cities: Austin, El Paso, Houston, Monterrey, México, North Texas (DFW), Rio Grande Valley (Hidalgo & Starr County), San Antonio, and Tip of Texas (Cameron County) Students admitted on a first come first served basis Local Training season: Mid February - Early June 2026 (varies per city) Travel transportation plans and fees vary per city. Space is limited to 42 participants per city.
| TEXAS AMBASSADOR GREAT DEBATEJune 27-30, 2026 St. Mary's University San Antonio, Texas Participating cities: Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Guadalajara, México, Houston, San Antonio, and Tip of Texas (Cameron County) Students admitted on a first come first served basis Local Training season: Mid March - Late June 2026 (varies per city) Travel transportation plans and fees vary per city. Space is limited to 36 participants per city.
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Who should apply: | When you apply:
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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.
Upon official acceptance, a $150 deposit secures your student’s spot. Families manage tuition in a variety of ways:
NHI will provide a payment schedule upon acceptance and works with each family individually to ensure a smooth process.
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