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National Hispanic Institute (NHI), a nonprofit organization that fosters leaders in the expanding Latino community, and Las Vegas Sands announced a leadership training program for Latino high school students in Las Vegas made possible by a cumulative three-year $150,000 commitment from Sands Cares. Funding enables NHI to build a volunteer alliance to lead NHI's leadership development curriculum, along with scholarships for 38 students to participate in the program's initial year.
The first stage of the NHI program is built around communications-oriented training and development for rising high school sophomores, culminating in their participation at the California Sol Great Debate on July 12-17 at the University of San Diego. NHI also will accept a small cohort of eight sophomore students to serve as a mentor group in San Diego, as well as have their own eight-day immersive leadership and governance experience at NHI's Colorado Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session in June at Colorado State University.
NHI will accept the first round of applicants for ninth and tenth grade students who apply by January 31, 2022. Eligible ninth grade students must have an 85/100 or 3.0/4.0 grade point average (GPA), and tenth grade students must have an 88/100 or 3.2/4.0 GPA. Students from all backgrounds may apply. Las Vegas students who are selected to join NHI by March 31 will receive tuition support from Sands Cares, and additional students can join as the partnership enters its second and third years. Interested students and school officials may contact Chris Nieto at cnieto@nhimail.com or 512-357-6137, or apply directly at www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org.
"With Sands Cares' support to kick-start our efforts, NHI aims to open doors for high school students by expanding their opportunities to develop leadership skills, create networks and increase their college prospects," said Nicole Nieto, NHI's executive vice president. "Students who are intellectually curious and enjoy community involvement often don't know where to access growth opportunities. The experiences we organize feel like home for students who want to make a difference in society."
Founded in 1979, NHI provides a series of immersive leadership programs for high-performing, high-potential Latino high school students to build communication, organizational and leadership skills, as well as prepare students for college and active community engagement.
"We saw that NHI's 40-year track record in helping students reach their highest potential and becoming vital community advocates could provide valuable experiences to develop future Latino leaders in Las Vegas," said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, who spearheads corporate responsibility for the company.
Over the past two years, Sands has accelerated partnerships and programming with organizations serving diverse communities, working to empower and ensure civic representation among all groups. The company also has supported youth development and mentorship programs with 100 Black Men Las Vegas and Mastering Mindsets Las Vegas.
Source: Las Vegas Sands
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