# Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)

Eight-day residential mock-legislature leadership program for 10th and 11th graders, run by the National Hispanic Institute on university campuses in New Jersey, Colorado, Texas, and Mexico.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | National Hispanic Institute |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | $1,370 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–11 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Multiple, Multiple States |
| Program dates | 2027-06-20 to 2027-07-25 |
| Apply | https://www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org/american |

## About this program

# Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)

The Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session is the National Hispanic Institute's mid-level leadership program, sitting between its Great Debate program for 9th graders and its Collegiate World Series for 11th graders. Over roughly eight days on a university campus, students build a functioning mock government from scratch - electing officers, forming parties, drafting bills, and negotiating them through committee and floor debate - under the guidance of NHI alumni and college-student staff.

## What You'll Do

- Live on a university campus for about a week with a delegation of Latino student leaders
- Run for and hold office in a student-built legislature, judiciary, or executive branch
- Draft, sponsor, amend, and debate original legislation in committee and on the floor
- Take part in caucusing, coalition-building, and negotiation across student parties
- Receive evaluation and feedback from NHI staff on your leadership performance

## Who Should Apply

The LDZ is designed for college-bound 10th and 11th graders. Students and families register directly with NHI rather than being nominated by a school. 2027 sites include the American LDZ at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey (July 11-18), the Colorado LDZ at Colorado State University in Fort Collins (June 20-27), and the Texas LDZ in Central Texas (July 18-25).

## Outcomes

Participants leave with practical experience in parliamentary process, coalition-building, and public negotiation, plus eligibility to advance within NHI's program ladder, where alumni return as senior student leadership and program staff.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) cost?

Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) costs $1,370. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)?

Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) is open to high school students in grades 10–11. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) online or in person?

Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) is an in-person program based in Multiple, Multiple States.

### How do I apply to Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)?

Apply directly through National Hispanic Institute's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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