Bezos Family Foundation Supports NHI’s Youth Leadership Programs for Third Straight Year

For the third year in a row, the National Hispanic Institute is the grateful recipient of a Bezos Family Foundation Director’s Gift. The funds support some of NHI’s home office infrastructural needs, and provide vital program support that’s needed year-round to prepare for 2026 youth leadership programs. 

“Thanks to another generous gift from the Bezos Family Foundation, more young aspiring community leaders will get to participate in NHI’s immersive leadership experiences this coming summer,” said Nicole Nieto, executive vice president of NHI. “Each year of support allows us to introduce students to NHI’s leadership principles and network of promising students, and they in-turn help prepare incoming NHI students for the journey ahead.” 

Started by Jackie and Mike Bezos in 2000, the Foundation has operated with a vision of “a world in which all young people reach their full potential and meaningfully contribute to society.” That vision neatly aligns with NHI’s mission: “To create experiences that engage achieving high school and college-age youth in community leadership roles that advance our quality of life.” 

“We liken our work to that of the rider in the rear seat of a tandem bicycle: lending energy and support, while leaving the steering to the researchers, teachers, and families who care for and work with children and teenagers every day, and to the young people whose voices, needs, and experiences shape programs and approaches,” the Foundation said on its website. “We believe that, by working together, we can go much further, much faster, than any of us could go alone.” 

NHI has established three leadership programs for high school students: the Great Debate for rising 10th graders, focused on public speaking skills; the Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session, focused on public policy and collaboration, primarily for rising 11th graders, and the Collegiate World Series, preparing college-bound students for their final year of high school with a dual focus on the college application process and inquiry-based learning. 

Together, the trio of programs provides students with training essential to leadership and prepares them for their higher education journeys. Ninety-eight percent of NHI students proceed to college, with 90 percent of those graduating with a college degree within five years.