Hispanic Teen Leaders Gain Political Experience At Colorado State University June 22-29
Friday, June 20, 1997
Note to the Editor: Media are invited to attend any events
during the week. Final general sessions will be 1-3 p.m.
June 27 in the Lory Student Center. The final Supreme Court
trial will take place at 8 p.m. June 27 in the LSC Senate
Chambers. To set up interviews or for more information,
contact Alvaro Maldonado at (970) 491-6311, or Ann Rovang at
(970) 491-6432.
FORT COLLINS--More than 150 Hispanic high-school students
will meet at Colorado State University June 22-29 to debate the
politics of government and life.
The Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session is a program
developed by the National Hispanic Institute that identifies
Hispanic academic achievers and teaches them the concepts of
empowerment and self-governance.
During the eight-day session, students participate in a mock
state government complete with an elected governor, legislative
branch and Supreme Court. Students run for office, develop
resolutions and argue cases before their peers. The legislative
model teaches the importance of communication and debate skills.
The session culminates in final presentations June 27.
"While many of these top-notch students have indicated
interest in opportunities at Colorado State, we ultimately hope
to solidify their desire to continue their education and set
goals for the future," said Mary Ontiveros, Colorado State's
director of admissions. "We are committed to them and to their
continued success in higher education."
The LDZ program also features a private college fair during
the week with representatives from more than 80 of the nation's
most prestigious universities. More than 99 percent of LDZ
participants enroll in college.
"The LDZ program is a wonderful forum to create leaders for
the future," said Alvaro Maldonado, assistant director of
admissions at Colorado State. "The responsibility of presenting
and legislating on different issues teaches young people how to
persevere and succeed."
Close to 65 former LDZ participants are enrolled at Colorado
State and remain active in the Colorado State University LDZ
Alumni chapter, Maldonado said.
"Our commitment to young leaders doesn"t end at the end of
the conference. The Colorado State NHI/CLN Affiliate Organization
gives currently enrolled Colorado State students an opportunity
to maintain these relationships and cultivate leadership skills."
The National Hispanic Institute created the LDZ program in
1982 to encourage high school students to get involved in
politics and business. This is the eighth year Colorado State
will host the program. For more information about this year's LDZ
program, contact Maldonado at (970) 491-6311.
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