Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session
An eight-day intensive leadership experience filled with unexpected and unplanned challenges and hurdles — an opportunity for young people to learn how to create, manage, and navigate large organizations.
Learn More on NHI National ↗What Is the LDZ?
Since 1982, students from over 25 states and four Latin American nations have convened to play this leadership game of vision, influence, and power management. The LDZ is by far the most consequential learning experience of NHI and the most popular in the nation.
During this journey, students practice a broad array of competencies including public speaking, policy writing, and constituency development. Students stay on college campuses, 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.
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.
Core Competencies
Policy Writing
Draft, propose, and defend community policy in a legislative setting.
Campaign Management
Run for office, build a platform, and mobilize supporters.
Governance
Navigate the complexities of leadership, consensus, and decision-making.
Coalition Building
Form alliances, negotiate, and create shared visions across groups.
Constituency Development
Understand and serve the needs of the people you represent.
Time Management
Operate independently in an intense 6am-to-nightfall schedule.
Who Can Participate?
The LDZ is open to students between 10th and 11th grade, or between 11th and 12th grade, who have completed the Great Debate and are NHI members in good standing.
Students who complete the Great Debate with NHI@ATX are automatically eligible and encouraged to continue their leadership journey through the LDZ.
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. — National Hispanic Institute
Interested in the LDZ?
The path to LDZ starts with the Great Debate. Visit the NHI national site for current LDZ dates, locations, and tuition information.
Texas LDZ on NHI National ↗The LDZ is the second step in the NHI leadership pipeline
Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session
An eight-day intensive leadership experience filled with unexpected and unplanned challenges and hurdles — an opportunity for young people to learn how to create, manage, and navigate large organizations.
Learn More on NHI National ↗What Is the LDZ?
Since 1982, students from over 25 states and four Latin American nations have convened to play this leadership game of vision, influence, and power management. The LDZ is by far the most consequential learning experience of NHI and the most popular in the nation.
During this journey, students practice a broad array of competencies including public speaking, policy writing, and constituency development. Students stay on college campuses, 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.
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.
Core Competencies
Policy Writing
Draft, propose, and defend community policy in a legislative setting.
Campaign Management
Run for office, build a platform, and mobilize supporters.
Governance
Navigate the complexities of leadership, consensus, and decision-making.
Coalition Building
Form alliances, negotiate, and create shared visions across groups.
Constituency Development
Understand and serve the needs of the people you represent.
Time Management
Operate independently in an intense 6am-to-nightfall schedule.
Who Can Participate?
The LDZ is open to students between 10th and 11th grade, or between 11th and 12th grade, who have completed the Great Debate and are NHI members in good standing.
Students who complete the Great Debate with NHI@ATX are automatically eligible and encouraged to continue their leadership journey through the LDZ.
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. — National Hispanic Institute
Interested in the LDZ?
The path to LDZ starts with the Great Debate. Visit the NHI national site for current LDZ dates, locations, and tuition information.
Texas LDZ on NHI National ↗The LDZ is the second step in the NHI leadership pipeline