Students from four nations, boosted by Seton Hall’s hosting, bring energy to NHI’s American LDZ program

Debuting at Seton Hall University this summer, the 2026 edition of the American LDZ brought together nearly 140 students from four nations for the East Coast edition of NHI’s flagship program, modeled after the federal government to provide lessons in public policymaking for future leaders.  “Returning to a Northeast program was particularly special to me. […]

2026 Midwest Great Debate students come together to fulfills its theme of ‘crafting a vision’

The 2026 Midwest Great Debate brought close to 80 students together — from México, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, as well as a Chicago-area contingent principally representing the U.S. — for a six-day competition at Augustana College, one of NHI’s most established host institution partners. “This year’s theme, ‘Crafting a Vision,’ truly came to life throughout […]

Texas Ambassador Great Debate adds new Mexico team, inspires growth and leadership for its large cohort

The 2026 Texas Ambassador Great Debate, held June 27-30 at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, brought together more than 170 students, assembled into nine different teams representing Texan and Mexican regions prior to the four-day competition.  This year’s was a first for NHI’s Texas-hosted Four-Day Great Debates in that two teams from Mexico — hailing […]

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 […]