Paying It Forward: How to Support This and Future Texas CWS Programs

The 2026 Texas Collegiate World Series — the Houston-based capstone program that bridges numerous young NHI leaders to their final year of high school and the start of their college journeys — is underway, but it’s still possible to provide support to the students learning there now and to sustain the program for future students. 

“The CWS is NHI’s final high school experience, and we want to make sure that every student knows that no matter where they go, NHI will always be a home for them. Your support contributes to a deepened appreciation for community and family while also defining the next stage of their lives,” said NHI Executive Vice President Nicole Nieto.

NHI Board of Trustees member Alma-Kristina Rodriguez Tusini is making a matching donation of up to $20,000 available to support the Texas CWS. All donations toward that threshold made by Dec. 31 will be matched, and will go toward a fund earmarked for supporting that program, co-hosted by the University of St. Thomas and Rice University, staffed in part by young leaders who participated in that program and have gone on to respected universities and liberal arts colleges. 

The Texas CWS donation page is tallying the total throughout the year; donors should specifically visit there, and are also encouraged to send the links on to people who might be interested in supporting the program.

“I’m excited to provide this match opportunity through the end of 2026 to support the CWS! If NHI has impacted your life and helped you become a better version of yourself, join me in making the program an important part of a young person’s development,” said Rodriguez Tusini. 

Combining preparation for the college application process and an introduction to inquiry-based learning, the CWS — as the program is more commonly known — is designed for high school student leaders between their junior and senior years of high school. The program is the third in NHI’s summer leadership series, which teaches an asset-based approach in leading communities to greater growth, development, and equity building. 

Students attending CWS receive direct coaching from college admission counselors from premier institutions around the United States, showing their commitment to NHI’s mission as College Register members. 

This year, the Texas CWS is featuring representatives from: 

• The University of St. Thomas
• Austin College
• Baylor University
• Bucknell University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Colorado State University
• The George Washington University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• St. Mary’s University
• Schreiner University
• Southwestern University
• Trinity University
• Vanderbilt University

You can support the program on NHI’s Zeffy fundraising platform. Tip or select 100% of your contribution to support NHI. If you wish to ask someone about your donation, email Efrain Cordova in NHI’s Business Office.