NHI News

NHI AND U.T. SIGN THREE YEAR  MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

 [Maxwell, Texas]—The National Hispanic Institute and the University of Texas at Austin have signed a three year Memorandum of Understanding that will broaden contact between U.T. Austin and high potential Latino youth from across the state who participate in leadership training and development.  In signing the MOU, the National Hispanic Institute plans to host its annual Texas Ambassador Great Debate on the U.T. campus over the next three summers.  Over 200 high school freshmen annually attend this event.  To qualify to participate in NHI leadership programs, students must have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA, be enrolled in a college bound high school graduation plan, and demonstrate strong involvement in school extracurricular activities.   This group is part of 2,500 high school age youth from across the nation and six Latin American countries who annually attend the organization’s summer leadership programs.

Ernesto Nieto, president and founder of the National Hispanic Institute, says, “We certainly appreciate the confidence U.T. has expressed in our programs and especially the calibre of students who annually attend.  Hopefully this is a first step in welding together a partnership that will last well into the future.”

 

Present at the signing at the University were Dr. Gregg Vincent, Vice President for Diversity and Engagement, Erica Saenz, Diversity and Community Engagement Officer for Community Relations, and Dr. Rose Martinez, Executive Director of University Outreach Centers.

  Representing the National Hispanic Institute were Dr. Ernesto Nieto, President and Founder, and Ms. Analysse Escobar, National Project Director for the Great Debate Program.  A campus-wide recognition to celebrate the signing is planned before the close of the school year.

The National Hispanic Institute started its first program efforts in 1980 in Austin, but has long since broaden its community influence nationally and internationally. Other programs of the Institute include the Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session, the Collegiate World Series, and the Discover Argentina Program. 

Each year, nearly 1,200 volunteers work with the National Hispanic Institute in carrying out its national and international initiatives.  Of the youth who annually attend, approximately 98% enroll in college after high school.  An additional 90% receive their undergraduate degrees in four to five years, and 65%+ continue into advanced studies. The National Hispanic Institute holds similar agreements with other colleges and universities that in Texas include Southwestern University in Georgetown and Austin College in Sherman.