‘A domino effect’: How NHI’s new generation of mentors are making an impact

Once again, NHI is celebrating National Volunteer Month by gathering stories from a number of volunteers who are giving their time, energy, and knowledge to help advance the organization and mentor younger students. Here’s our first round of 2026 stories from this impressive generation of young leaders. Mia Aguinaga Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois “In […]

NHI extends deadline for high-achieving high school students to join summer leadership program underwritten by Las Vegas Sands

The National Hispanic Institute, providing transformative leadership experiences for high-achieving students for over 46 years, invites Las Vegas 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-graders to its 2026 summer leadership programs, made possible through funding from Las Vegas Sands and its Sands Cares community engagement program.  NHI seeks students who aim to expand their friendship networks, build communication […]

‘I can be both’: How NHI inspired 10 students from one Arizona school

Imagine living in Mexico and going to high school in the United States every day. For Maria Mexia, who attends Yuma Catholic High School in Yuma, Ariz., that’s how she experiences and is building her Latina identity, and that’s part of what makes NHI so resonant to these students.  That’s what Regina Legarreta, NHI’s associate […]

NHI taps into podcast popularity with new, energized, youth-led series of episodes

If you’re subscribed to the NHI Podcasts feed, you may have noticed some new developments over the last few months:  A series of five episodes released since September, including one on the Collegiate World Series (CWS), which went live earlier this week.  A new logo, courtesy of Diego Garcia.  A new theme song, courtesy of […]

Honoring Dr. Rodolfo Acuna, NHI Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and Chicano Studies Pioneer

NHI was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ Acuña, honored in 2008 with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking and impressive work in Chicano Studies. According to the California State University, Northridge news site, Acuña — who died at age 93 on March 23 — founded the Chicana/o Studies department at what […]

Bezos Family Foundation Supports NHI’s Youth Leadership Programs for Third Straight Year

For the third year in a row, the National Hispanic Institute is the grateful recipient of a Bezos Family Foundation Director’s Gift. The funds support some of NHI’s home office infrastructural needs, and provide vital program support that’s needed year-round to prepare for 2026 youth leadership programs.  “Thanks to another generous gift from the Bezos […]