St. Mary’s partners with NHI to bring Texas CWS program to San Antonio

The National Hispanic Institute is pleased to announce that St. Mary’s University, in San Antonio, Texas, will be resuming its host partnership with NHI, serving as home for the 2022 Texas Collegiate World Series. 

St. Mary’s University, a Catholic, Marianist university founded in 1852, most recently hosted NHI programs in 2018 and 2019, via the organization’s flagship Texas Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session program. St. Mary’s, by hosting the CWS, will now be a destination for the capstone program of the NHI high school experience. 

The program will be held from July 27-31, 2022, on the 135-acre campus in the heart of San Antonio’s Westside, open to rising high school seniors who wish to get a head start on the college admissions process. 

Created over 30 years ago, the CWS does more than prepare students for college, also challenges students to think critically by introducing them to inquiry-based learning and life-long leadership in the Latino community. Participants will engage with college counselors from NHI College Register member schools, as well as practice writing their essays, conducting their interviews, and filling out the Common Application — placing them in an advantageous position for applying to the colleges of their choice. 

CWS motivates students to do their very best in their tasks as they are placed in teams that compete against each other. This allows them to work together to be the best, while helping each other reach their potential. 

“We’re excited to have St. Mary’s University back in the fold as an NHI host institution for 2022,” said Nicole Nieto, NHI’s executive vice president. “Many iconic Latino leaders have emerged from San Antonio, and St. Mary’s has had a role in shaping a number of those leaders, as well as being a pillar in the community. Enabling our students to experience the St. Mary’s campus for their capstone program is a gift we’re grateful for, and we look forward to more future leaders finding their callings here.” 

“As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, St. Mary’s University is proud to host a program developing the next generation of leaders,” said Tony Sarda, St. Mary’s Director of Undergraduate Admission. “One experience can have a huge impact on the future. We look forward to welcoming students in the family spirit that springs from our Catholic and Marianist mission as this capstone program makes a difference in participants’ lives.”

CWS is not only NHI’s capstone program — it also provides a special moment for NHI students via a graduation ceremony that celebrates them and helps them mentally prepare for the transition from high school to college.

The entire program is structured around building skills that may be used not only in school but in the workplace after graduation. As students grasp the core values of NHI as well as the essential skills needed to enter the “real world,” they develop the confidence within themselves to make connections that help them secure admission into the schools they wish to attend. Along with this, CWS allows students to practice independent living skills and the importance of being punctual. 

As the next season for NHI approaches, it is a pleasure to welcome everyone who is interested in joining the NHI familia. NHI is accepting applications until the program meets 125 total students, but the best time to apply is through December 15. Call us at 512-357-6137 to find out if there are still spots available. 

The CWS is made possible in part by Wells Fargo and State Farm.