Hear From Our Students
Real stories from NHI participants across the Great Debate, LDZ, and Collegiate World Series
The Great Debate
Where students discover their voice, build confidence, and take the first step in a lifelong leadership journey.
I came in thinking I was only there for the debate, but I met so many incredible people and gained so much support. NHI truly changed my perspective — it was life-changing.[PLACEHOLDER: Student Name] · [PLACEHOLDER: High School], Austin TX · Great Debate 20XX
I learned how to speak my voice louder and say it out loud in front of people, because usually I would be nervous, but not anymore. NHI was a big opportunity to project my voice.
Being in this program has really helped me be more outspoken. I really unlocked potential — I knew I could do all these things, but I didn't have the confidence to do any of them until NHI.
I am a completely different person today than when I arrived. Thanks to my coaches and my new friends, I can say I am a leader now. Somos NHI.
Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session
An eight-day intensive where students learn to create, manage, and navigate large organizations through vision, influence, and power management.
The LDZ pushed me beyond anything I thought I was capable of. Leading a caucus of 40 people, writing policy, managing a campaign — I didn't just learn about leadership, I lived it for eight days straight.[PLACEHOLDER: Student Name] · [PLACEHOLDER: High School], Austin TX · LDZ 20XX
LDZ taught me how to navigate complexity and uncertainty. The experience of running for office, building coalitions, and debating policy changed how I see the world.
I went from someone who could barely raise my hand in class to someone who delivered a speech to 200 people. LDZ gave me the tools and the confidence to lead.
Collegiate World Series
The capstone experience where seniors transition from high school leaders to college-ready changemakers, connecting with top universities nationwide.
CWS was the culmination of everything NHI taught me. I walked into that college fair knowing exactly who I was and what I wanted. Three of the universities I met there offered me scholarships.[PLACEHOLDER: Student Name] · [PLACEHOLDER: University] · CWS 20XX
The Collegiate World Series connected me with a network of ambitious, driven people who look like me. For the first time, I could see myself at a top university — and then I made it happen.
From the Great Debate in 9th grade to CWS as a senior — NHI gave me four years of growth. I arrived at college already knowing how to lead, organize, and inspire others.
Your Story Starts Here
Join the next generation of NHI leaders in Austin.
Register Your InterestHear From Our Students
Real stories from NHI participants across the Great Debate, LDZ, and Collegiate World Series
The Great Debate
Where students discover their voice, build confidence, and take the first step in a lifelong leadership journey.
I came in thinking I was only there for the debate, but I met so many incredible people and gained so much support. NHI truly changed my perspective — it was life-changing.[PLACEHOLDER: Student Name] · [PLACEHOLDER: High School], Austin TX · Great Debate 20XX
I learned how to speak my voice louder and say it out loud in front of people, because usually I would be nervous, but not anymore. NHI was a big opportunity to project my voice.
Being in this program has really helped me be more outspoken. I really unlocked potential — I knew I could do all these things, but I didn't have the confidence to do any of them until NHI.
I am a completely different person today than when I arrived. Thanks to my coaches and my new friends, I can say I am a leader now. Somos NHI.
Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session
An eight-day intensive where students learn to create, manage, and navigate large organizations through vision, influence, and power management.
The LDZ pushed me beyond anything I thought I was capable of. Leading a caucus of 40 people, writing policy, managing a campaign — I didn't just learn about leadership, I lived it for eight days straight.[PLACEHOLDER: Student Name] · [PLACEHOLDER: High School], Austin TX · LDZ 20XX
LDZ taught me how to navigate complexity and uncertainty. The experience of running for office, building coalitions, and debating policy changed how I see the world.
I went from someone who could barely raise my hand in class to someone who delivered a speech to 200 people. LDZ gave me the tools and the confidence to lead.
Collegiate World Series
The capstone experience where seniors transition from high school leaders to college-ready changemakers, connecting with top universities nationwide.
CWS was the culmination of everything NHI taught me. I walked into that college fair knowing exactly who I was and what I wanted. Three of the universities I met there offered me scholarships.[PLACEHOLDER: Student Name] · [PLACEHOLDER: University] · CWS 20XX
The Collegiate World Series connected me with a network of ambitious, driven people who look like me. For the first time, I could see myself at a top university — and then I made it happen.
From the Great Debate in 9th grade to CWS as a senior — NHI gave me four years of growth. I arrived at college already knowing how to lead, organize, and inspire others.
Your Story Starts Here
Join the next generation of NHI leaders in Austin.
Register Your Interest