The University of New Mexico is partnering with the National Hispanic Institute to host the statewide 2025 Dionisio “Dennis” Chavez New Mexico Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session for high school students. Applications are now being accepted.
Born in New Mexico, Chavez served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1931-1935 and in the U.S. Senate from 1935-1962. He was the first Hispanic elected official to serve in the Senate and the first senator born in New Mexico.
Presented by the National Hispanic Institute and hosted by the University of New Mexico, the Youth Legislation Session is an eight-day program for 10th- and 11th-grade students.
From June 8 to 15, 2025, New Mexico’s top 150 high school students will learn and engage in key leadership roles focusing on civic engagement and leadership.
Selected students will develop professional, personal and business skills through asset-based community equity building in their quest to envision the future of New Mexico.
Eligible applicants are New Mexico high school sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.2 grade point average or better and enrolled in a college-bound high school graduation plan.
There is no application or tuition fee; the N.M. Legislature and Sen. Michael Padilla are sponsoring the program. Transportation assistance will be available for students. The only cost for participants is travel to and from UNM.
Click here to apply and for more information.