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.

High School students from urban areas will enjoy the natural setting of the Colorado LDZ and its surrounding environment. Few other program sites offer the hospitality that the university staff at CSU does. In fact, the Colorado LDZ will celebrate its 33rd anniversary in the Summer of 2023. One of CSU’s top summer priorities includes a strategic goal of establishing a statewide leadership cohort that will concentrate on encouraging larger numbers of top Colorado students to participate and develop themselves at CSU.

The only state-supported leadership program for NHI, Colorado State University remains committed to diversity and views the LDZ as an effective means of attracting top students to its campus. In fact, the university features NHI partner scholarships students are eligible for. Its comprehensive makeup of majors and affordable tuition makes it particularly attractive to out-of-state students. LDZ delegates receive no better hospitality than the special attention Colorado State University staff gives to the program. We look forward to seeing you at Colorado!

CSU is located in Fort Collins, a midsize city at the base of the Rocky Mountains, less than an hour north of Denver. Colorado State, also known as CSU, offers more than 150 degrees in eight colleges, with graduate programs in the schools of business, engineering and education and the renowned College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. CSU is considered one of the leading research universities, and faculty and students work together to explore fields such as atmospheric science, infectious diseases, clean energy technologies and environmental science.

Outside the classroom and research lab, students can get involved with the more than 350 campus organizations, including about 35 fraternities and sororities. Student athletes can find sports at the recreational, club and varsity level, with the CSU mascot and colors reflecting the school's past. CSU began as an agricultural school, so the sports teams were called the Aggies and their colors were green and gold to represent farming. The school held onto the colors, but the more than 15 varsity sports teams are now called the Rams. They compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference.

"Situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 60 miles north of Denver International airport, Fort Collins is home to fabulous recreational opportunities, diverse cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife scene and family fun. Experience world-class whitewater rafting on the nationally designated “Wild and Scenic” Cache La Poudre River (the best whitewater rafting near Rocky Mountain National Park). Taste award-winning beers at one of 20 (and counting) Or, explore the fanciful creatures at the Swetsville Zoo with your family. Fort Collins prides itself on the plethora of restaurants and outdoor activities a picturesque downtown and of course, our beer. Fort Collins is always full of things to do, no matter the season. Explore the links above to find what you need, or take a look at our suggestions for things to see and do!"(From VisitFortCollins.com)

 The Colorado LDZ was originally established as a project of university admissions under the leadership of former Vice President for Enrollment Mary Ontiveros. The program transitioned to the Access Center in 2009 when Mary became Vice President for Diversity. Mary was honored in 2008 with NHI’s Hall of Fame award for long-lasting impact on the work of the institute and she annually visits the program and engages the students. By utilizing effective practices, the Access Center provides quality services to communities, individuals and institutions resulting in student success and exemplary programs guided by an ethic of community and project accountability.

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