2026 Texas Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session

July 19-26 2026

Trinity University

San Antonio, TX, USA

Since 1982, students from over 20 states and four Latin American nations have convened to play this leadership game of vision, influence and power management. Personal growth, self-awareness, and mindset often undergo tremendous change through the LDZ experience; Students grow to envision themselves as both change-makers and game-changers as the leaders of today.

What is the Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session?

An eight-day intensive leadership experience filled with unexpected and unplanned challenges and hurdles, the LDZ is an opportunity for young people to learn how to create, manage, and navigate large organizations. During this journey, students practice a broad array of competencies including public speaking, policy writing, and constituency development. Students stay on college campuses longer, get assigned roommates they have never met before, and are expected to time-manage themselves in learning environments that begin at 6 a.m. and last until nightfall. The LDZ is by far the most consequential learning experience of NHI and the most popular in the nation, bar none.

Who should apply:

When you apply:

Submit the name of the NHIer, educator, or community member who nominated you to participate on the team.

Submit the $25 Application Fee

LDZ Tuition & Information

What Does Tuition Cover?

Eight days on a college campus in dorms
A full meal plan
Private access to training areas
Excursion in host city
Private College Fair with Colleges and Universities accross the Country
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 LDZ are granted full NHI membership — including access to future leadership programs, volunteer opportunities, and faculty development — as long as they remain in good standing.

2025 Tuition & Fees

Application Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
LDZ Deposit: $150 (non-refundable)
LDZ Tuition: $1,150 (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.

Where Leaders Are Forged, Not Found

Navigate complexity, embrace uncertainty, and take ownership of your impact—but real leadership is more than just rising to the moment. It’s about learning to build systems, mobilize people, and influence decisions that shape entire communities. Through intense debate, unexpected challenges, and hard-earned breakthroughs, you’ll discover your voice and the power of collective vision. The bonds you form through shared responsibility and sleepless nights become a lifelong network of leadership, growth, and purpose.

About TRINITY UNIVERSITY

Trinity University is located in San Antonio Texas. Home to more than 2,500 students, Trinity is rooted in the liberal arts and sciences with pre-professional programs. The University is guided by a mission and set of values that place the student experience at its core. As a community that both honors our past and shapes our future, we strive to live our values in everything we do.

Trinity’s history of excellence began in 1869, when Cumberland Presbyterians sought to create a "University of the Highest Order." Founders built upon a bedrock of resilience, innovation, and a passion for student wellbeing. More than 150 years later, Trinity continues to instill the confidence and curiosity needed to answer questions and question answers.

Information taken from: https://www.trinity.edu/about