NHI and Seton Hall to partner on 2026 American LDZ program

“If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere,” the famed line from “Theme from New York, New York” speaks to the possibilities New York City offers for people who go there to achieve their dreams. For a group of NHI students this approaching summer, inspiration from the international city will be part of their summer leadership experience. 

The Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session, better known as the LDZ, is a transformative experience for students who want to learn the meaning of community leadership and discover how they can apply their personal talents to this endeavor in life. In 2026, Seton Hall University will host 150 NHI students as it debuts its American LDZ experience. 

Located less than an hour’s commute from New York City, the American LDZ will take place July 19-26, 2026. 

“Seton Hall is proud to partner with the National Hispanic Institute to co-host the American Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session,” said Erik Lillquist, J.D., provost and executive vice president at Seton Hall University. “This program brings some of the nation’s most promising young leaders to our campus, offering them a transformative experience in governance, civic engagement and public service. We are honored to support NHI’s mission and look forward to welcoming these rising scholars to Seton Hall this summer.”

The Catholic university in South Orange, N.J., founded in 1856, is among the best private universities in the greater New York metro area. For NHI, it provides an ideal location for students from the East Coast, as well as students from Caribbean and Central American nations who traditionally have travelled to the Northeast for NHI programs. 

“We’re excited to build this relationship with Seton Hall University,” said Nicole Nieto, NHI’s executive vice president. “We learned more about its welcoming community through NHI alum, George Nicolas Rodriguez, who helped make the introductions to assistant provost Dr. Mary Kate Naatus.

“As a Texas LDZ Education Director, Rodriguez had seen first-hand the importance of the LDZ host institution showing encouragement and support to LDZ students during their stay, and didn’t hesitate to recommend it,” said Nieto. “And we wouldn’t want the students to journey all that way without seeing the Big Apple, so we’re building an excursion that’ll be something the  participants will cherish and remember.” 

“When it comes to my time at Seton Hall, my fondest memories are of the relationships I built there,” Rodriguez recalled. “From classes, to clubs, to the International English Honor Society, my bonds with fellow students as well as my professors really made an impact on who I am. SHU’s community nurtured my intellectual curiosity and pushed me to be pursue my passion for literature.

“I carry the lessons I learned there into the classes I now instruct as a high school English teacher. I’ll always be incredibly grateful for my time there, and I am especially thankful for all the people I met during my undergraduate and graduate studies programs.” 

According to its website, Seton Hall’s suburban setting “is just 14 miles from New York City. With ‘The City That Never Sleeps’ so close, options for concerts, museums, art galleries and dining are endless. And that just covers entertainment possibilities; great internships and jobs are everywhere.” 

A select number of spots remain available for the 2026 American LDZ; register online before the Dec. 30 winter deadline, and learn more about this and other NHI programs at its online open house events on Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16.