P.O. Box 220
Maxwell, Texas 78656

Founded in 1979 by Ernesto Nieto, the son of two Houston civic leaders, The National Hispanic Institute enriches the lives of high school-age Latino students through leadership programs that take place on college campuses. In these intense academic and social settings, participating students are stimulated intellectually, culturally and socially, and exposed to a multitude of ways in which they can contribute to the Latino community and American society at large.

The NHI partners with the College Register, a group of four-year colleges and universities, to cultivate Latino leaders. In addition to hosting National Hispanic Institute programs, members of the College Register engage promising Latino high school students and their parents through private visitations, training programs and frequent correspondence. NHI students have amassed an impressive record transitioning from high school to higher ed settings. On average, they are admitted to 2.7 out of three colleges and universities to which they apply.

The National Hispanic Institute offers several fellowship and international experiences. The John F. Lopez Fellowship develops community leaders by charging students with summer-long projects with an emphasis on community outreach and mobilization. During the program students live on the 35-acre NHI campus in Maxwell, Texas. The Discover Argentina Program helps participants develop an international perspective when thinking of the Latino community. Students travel to Buenos Aires where they are immersed in the mores of the society and culture. The program features guided excursions to La Casa Rosada, Teatro Colon, Boca, San Telmo, El Congreso, El Catedral, La calle Corrientes and more.

Quick Facts

Off the dozens of College Register members, more than 15 host NHI summer leadership programs, including New York University, Texas A&M University, University of Rochester, Villanova University and Washington State University.

NHI's Estudios Culturales & Liderazgos program is a semester-long study abroad program offered to 15 American students. Participants travel to Monterrey to develop a greater understanding of Mexican culture, to improve conversational and written language skills and to examine transnational issues that affect the society.

National Hispanic Institute participants attend four-year institutions at a 95 percent rate and graduate within four to five years at a 90 percent rate.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.