Join our team to learn more about the LDZ!
Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)
We invite your child to join us at the Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) to practice living in a creative decision-making process that celebrates the Latino community. Students can expect to cultivate relationships with students from all areas of the United States and Latin America, connect with competitive universities at our College Fair, and get to explore the city they’re in with their peers.
Join us to learn more about the Great Debate (GD), a program for 9th grade students to practice their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership in a team-based environment. Students can expect to build confidence, form lasting friendships with peers from across the United States and Latin America, and begin their journey as young leaders in NHI.
Our four day experience offers a communal experience throughout the spring semester, building communication skills, community, and confidence as future leaders. Students train locally with their team and staff, culminating in a four-day state-level competition.
Participating cities: Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, North Texas (DFW), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Monterrey, Mexico, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Students can train with their regions and then will get to compete at one of the two:
Texas Great Debate from June 6-9, 2026 at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, USA
Texas Ambassador Great Debate Summer 2026 at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, USA
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.
Dates TBA - Late June, 2026.
Dates TBA - Late July, 2026.
Texas Great Debate | June 6 - 9, 2026 Austin College Sherman, Texas, USA https://www.austincollege.edu/ Only 300 summer spots available.
Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable)
Great Debate Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of acceptance)
NOTE: The Application Fee can be paid later by clicking "INVOICE ME" at checkout.
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.
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 7 - 14, 2026, 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.
Accepting applications
through April, 2026
PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 31)
PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY
Dates TBA. Mid June 2026.
NOTE: The Application Fee can be paid later by clicking "INVOICE ME" at the end of the form.
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.
Midwest Great Debate | June 28 - July 3, 2026 Augustana College Rock Island, Illinois https://www.augustana.edu/ Only 150 summer spots available.
Dates TBA. Mid July 2026.
Texas Ambassador Great Debate | Dates TBA, Early July 2026 St. Mary's University https://www.stmarytx.edu/ Only 200 summer spots available.
PROGRAM Tuition & fees for EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS (By August 30)
Dates TBA. Mid July, 2026.
Dates TBA. Late July, 2026.
National Hispanic Institute
+1 (512) 357-6137
Hours of Operations:
M-F, 8:30am - 12:00pm; 1:30pm - 5:30pm CDT
