National Hispanic Institute - Midwest Great Debate

About the Midwest Great Debate

Imagine spending a week on a college campus, surrounded by ambitious peers, sharpening your voice, and stepping into your role as a leader. That’s what awaits you at the Midwest Great Debate, a 6-day leadership and public speaking journey for 9th graders ready to take the next step.

At the Midwest Great Debate, you’ll:

Develop your critical thinking and public speaking skills in an immersive, fast-paced environment.
Learn how to craft powerful arguments, speak with confidence, and think on your feet.
Collaborate with students from the American Midwest, Central Panama, and Mexico — building friendships that span countries and cultures.
Be mentored by undergraduate trainers from across the Americas, who once stood where you are now and know exactly how to help you succeed.

You’ll spend six days living and learning on the Augustana College campus in Rock Island, Illinois — a rare opportunity for a 9th grader to experience real college life. You’ll meet the Augustana College admissions team, explore campus life firsthand, and get a taste of what your future could hold. This isn’t just a competition — it’s your launchpad into a lifetime of leadership.

We can’t wait to see you take your place at the Midwest Great Debate. The skills, friendships, and confidence you’ll gain here will stay with you long after the closing ceremony.

Great Debate Tuition & Information

What Does Tuition Cover?

Six days on a college campus in dorms
A full meal plan
Private access to training areas
College Day exclusively for program participants
Staff-student ratio of 1:15
Supplies and materials
Commemorative program T-shirt
Certificate of participation
Highly motivating curriculum

NHI Membership

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.

2026 Tuition & Fees

Application Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
Great Debate Deposit: $150 (non-refundable)
Midwest Great Debate Tuition: $720 (balance after deposit)

Payment & Support

Upon official acceptance, a $150 deposit secures your student’s spot. Families manage tuition in a variety of ways:

Payment plans
Sponsorships
Online fundraising
Community grants

NHI will provide a payment schedule upon acceptance and works with each family individually to ensure a smooth process.

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)