NextGen Latino Leadership Program

# NextGen Latino Leadership Program The NextGen Latino Leadership Program (previously R2L NextGen) is the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's leadership program for Latino high school students. CHCI describes it as "an all-expenses paid leadership experience designed just for Latino high school students" in which participants "spend a week in Washington, D.C., exploring the city and the role it plays in our nation's past, present, and future." Students apply directly to CHCI and are selected nationally. ## What You'll Do - Spend a week in Washington, DC in a cohort of selected Latino high school students - Meet Members of Congress, congressional staff, and Latino leaders across government, advocacy, and industry - Take part in leadership, public-speaking, and civic-engagement workshops - Visit national institutions and learn how federal policy is made - Join CHCI's alumni network, which feeds into its college internship and fellowship pipeline ## Who Should Apply Applicants must "be a current 10th or 11th grade student." There is no minimum GPA requirement, though applicants submit grades and a transcript. The application asks for personal information plus three short essays on an issue of importance in your community, a challenge you have faced, and how your Hispanic heritage has shaped you. ## Outcomes Selected students attend at no cost - "Travel, lodging, meals and activities will all be covered through the support of our generous sponsors and CHCI" - and leave with a national Latino leadership network, direct exposure to federal policymaking, and an early connection to CHCI's longer-term leadership pipeline.