(Dates listed on the event are not yet official)
2027 Program Tuition & fees
Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)
Program Eligibility
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.
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.
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.
2027 DATES, TUITION COST AND LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
*Important Notice – Program Confirmation Pending
The 2027 LDZ Las Américas (Cancún) is currently not confirmed. We anticipate announcing the program's status - including final dates, location, and tuition - by September 2026. In the event this program does not take place, all applicants will be automatically transferred to their second-choice program at no additional cost. We will notify families directly once all programs are confirmed. Thank you for your patience and continued interest in NHI.
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 6 - 13, 2027, 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.
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
SPACE IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME,
FIRST SERVE BASIS.
SPRING Admission Deadline
MARCH 26, 2027
Late applications accepted based on space availability
through April 30, 2027
Schedule a school presentation! Contact Gloria de Leon, Director, Dennis Chavez LDZ
Gloria de Leon gdl@nhimail.com 512-587-3465
National Hispanic Institute
+1 (512) 357-6137
Hours of Operations:
M-F, 8:30am - 12:00pm; 1:30pm - 5:30pm CDT
