More than 200 gather at Colorado State for ‘creative, thoughtful, energized and passionate’ Colorado LDZ

More than 200 students, hailing from the U.S. and Mexico, converged on Colorado State University — now approaching nearly 40 years of history as a NHI partner — for the 2026 edition of the Colorado LDZ, from June 20 to 27.  “It was a special delegation on many levels,” said Julio Cotto, the program’s educational […]

2026 Dennis Chavez New Mexico LDZ delivers ‘beautifully orchestrated week of chemistry, connection, and continuity’

2026 was a special year for New Mexico’s flagship NHI event.  Held at the University of New Mexico from June 7-14, the 2026 Dennis Chavez New Mexico LDZ Youth Legislative Session brought together 120 New Mexico high school students to exemplify the core NHI concept of community equity building — an asset-based mindset for growing […]

2026 Texas Star Great Debate, with focus on family traditions, ‘had a lot of heart’

Our Lady of the Lake University once again served as host for the Texas Star Great Debate, the first of the six-day Great Debates for NHI in 2026. With close to 100 students attending from across Texas, plus contingents from Querétaro, Mexico and from Puerto Rico, the San Antonio campus rippled with energy throughout the […]

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 […]