National Hispanic Institute Celebrates 2026 Las Vegas Leadership Development Program Participants With Support From Sands Cares

Nicole Nieto, Executive vice president of National Hispanic Institute

“Our Las Vegas celebration culminated the student experience with NHI this year, and for many, it has been a multiyear journey.”

Nicole Nieto, Executive vice president of National Hispanic Institute

“Thanks to Sands Cares support, Las Vegas high school students are able to take advantage of unique developmental opportunities that transform them into leaders by building their confidence, connections and skills.”

Nicole Nieto, Executive vice president of National Hispanic Institute

“By the end of each summer, they've become different people - ready to take new steps in leading in their environments, with many hungry to engage in civic life and community advocacy.”

Brayan Tineo, Student mentor at National Hispanic Institute

“It was amazing watching participants open up and share their unique stories and ideas.”

Brayan Tineo, Student mentor at National Hispanic Institute

“By the final day, you always see a profound change in the way they viewed themselves and the very foundation of where they came from.”

Claire Nestor, HHL mentor at National Hispanic Institute

“HHL is a great introduction into what NHI is because students can build a baseline for leadership and focus on finding their voices.”

Claire Nestor, HHL mentor at National Hispanic Institute

“Many students find comfort in sharing their family stories but are pushed and challenged to present in front of groups so they can learn useful speaking skills.”

Scotty Hernandez, Great Debate participant at Equipo Academy Prep

“With the experience I got from the Great Debate, I do feel I can use it my everyday life because I learned how to advocate, how to speak in public, and how to give my opinion on a certain topic.”

Scotty Hernandez, Great Debate participant at Equipo Academy Prep

“I've never experienced anything like NHI before.”

Luke Messner, Great Debate participant at West Career & Technical Academy

“This [program] has helped me so much; it's helped me build confidence, and my public speaking has improved.”

Luke Messner, Great Debate participant at West Career & Technical Academy

“I honestly don't think I've ever experienced anything like this before. It's truly life-changing.”

Luke Messner, Great Debate participant at West Career & Technical Academy

“I think anyone who is considering NHI should go. There's so much to learn and achieve, and it would really show you how much potential you have.”

Joshua Casasola, Lorenzo De Zavala participant and Great Debate mentor at Advanced Technologies Academy

“When I went to NHI the first time, it was truly life-changing.”

Joshua Casasola, Lorenzo De Zavala participant and Great Debate mentor at Advanced Technologies Academy

“With other programs, they tell you to be a leader, but they don't teach you the skills you need.”

Joshua Casasola, Lorenzo De Zavala participant and Great Debate mentor at Advanced Technologies Academy

“NHI differs in that - the organization really gives [participants] a framework in how to learn, and that leads to having introspection on their own identities and what they are good at, which they can take back to their own communities.”

Joshua Casasola, Lorenzo De Zavala participant and Great Debate mentor at Advanced Technologies Academy

“My biggest moment when I was staff at Great Debate was applying what I learned at LDZ by using the assets of the students on my team so they could find and embrace their identity and bond with each other.”