NHI partnering with Trinity University on 2027 Texas Ambassador Great Debate and Texas LDZ

Trinity University is doubling up on NHI hosting duties in 2027. 

In 2025, Trinity University became the latest home of the Texas Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session, better known as the Texas LDZ. NHI’s oldest program was launched as a pilot program in 1982, as the organization was launching its immersive learning experiences for high school students aspiring to become leaders. 

Trinity has proven to be an incredible new headquarters for the Texas LDZ, located in the heart of San Antonio, a city steeped in Latino culture, long shaped by Latino leaders contributing to its greatness. For 2027, Trinity will go one step further in providing NHI leadership education a home, as it will host the Texas Ambassador Great Debate in addition to the Texas LDZ. 

The Texas Ambassador Great Debate, to be held June 30-July 3, 2027, is one of NHI’s four-day Great Debate programs. For four-day Great Debate events, teams representing cities and regions throughout Texas – and, since 2025, Mexico – assemble and prepare for months leading up to the competition. Students participate in speech and debate categories, with each victory and top-tier placement contributing to that team’s collective success. 

“Trinity University once again looks forward to hosting NHI’s Texas LDZ program and newly hosting its Texas Ambassador Great Debate program, and welcoming the impressive young leaders who come here to improve their leadership skills,” says Justin Doty, dean of admissions for Trinity. “These NHI programs compliment Trinity’s purpose: to foster lives of meaning, integrity, and service.”

Nicole Nieto, NHI’s executive vice president, is excited to be bringing a second program to Trinity. 

“Trinity University has everything we look for in a host school — a strong academic reputation, a desirable destination for our students, and the infrastructure needed to support our programs. The Texas LDZ presents a unique challenge among our programs, consistently being our largest one, and Trinity has done well to accommodate us. We’re thrilled  bring the Texas Ambassador Great Debate to Trinity, and anticipate that some of our students will choose an NHI experience at Trinity for both their Great Debate and LDZ experiences.” 

The 2027 Texas LDZ will be held at Trinity from July 25-Aug. 1, the last of five different LDZ gatherings next year. The Regular Application deadline for all 2027 NHI programs is Tuesday, Nov. 17 followed by a December 15 deadline for Winter Admissions; review the program dates and register by the deadline to guarantee consideration.