The National Hispanic Institute Inc has announced that the 5th Annual Dennis Chavez New Mexico Leadership Development Program (LDZ) will take place from June 7 to June 14, 2026, at the University of New Mexico campus. This program will host 150 high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors for a weeklong legislative simulation.
The event honors Dennis Chavez, the first Hispanic person elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate and born in New Mexico. It challenges students to assume leadership roles, proposing policies relevant to the Latino community. The LDZ aims to be transformative, helping students build systems, mobilize people, and influence community decisions.
Gloria de Leon, NHI Cofounder and Director of the Dennis Chavez LDZ, said: "The LDZ is not a civics lesson but a leadership game for anyone who aspires to make a future impact." She emphasized that it offers high-ability students the chance to gain confidence and skills necessary for becoming impactful change-makers.
The program is fully funded by the New Mexico State Legislature with support from Senator Michael Padilla, allowing New Mexico students to participate tuition-free. Activities will include a session at the State Capitol in Santa Fe. The application requires a high school transcript and list of activities, with a deadline of December 15, 2025.
Participants will form networks with peers and mentors sharing similar aspirations. The program focuses on developing competencies such as public speaking, policy writing, and constituency development. More information can be found on the National Hispanic Institute website at https://nationalhispanicinstitute.org.
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