Phi Iota Alpha, the oldest Latino fraternity founded in 1931, and the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) have partnered for over 15 years to support Latino youth leadership. Their connection deepened as fraternity members, several of whom are NHI alumni, recognized their missions aligned around Latino male achievement and community leadership.
Research shows that only ~17.8% of Latino adults between the ages of 25 and 34 hold a bachelor’s degree, and among Latino men who enroll in four-year colleges, only 53.6% complete their degrees within six years. These gaps underscore why targeted support—such as the Phi Iota Alpha/NHI scholarship investment—is needed to reverse underrepresentation and increase opportunities for young Latino men. Phi Iota Alpha chapters across the U.S. raise funds each year to support young men admitted to NHI’s summer leadership programs via the Hispanic Youth Fund. 100% of resources raised go directly into student leadership development.
Mission of the Fundraiser
- Support Phi Iota Alpha Scholars, more than 50 young men annually, with financial contributions toward tuition and fees.
- Strengthen NHI’s mission by diversifying the pool of student leaders across the Americas.
- Lower barriers so that admitted students can attend NHI programs regardless of their financial resources.
Campaign Overview
Total Raised
Total Supporters
Total students supported
2024 Campaign
Goal: $7,500.00
Raised: $7,500
2023 Campaign
Goal: $7,500.00
Raised: $5,546.08
2022 Campaign
Goal: $7,500.00
Raised: $6,499.82
2021 Campaign
Goal: $10,000.00
Raised: $5,000.00
2020 Campaign
Goal: $7,500.00
Raised: $15,178.00
How the Funded Students Engage in NHI’s Programs
These scholarship awardees participate fully in NHI’s key summer offerings:
- Great Debate (9th Grade): Communication, public speaking, inquiry, teamwork
- Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session – LDZ (10th–11th Grade): Crafting, defending, and adopting community policy; operating in governance systems
- Collegiate World Series (11th Grade): College prep, admissions simulation, leadership challenges
100,000
Students participated since 1979
98%
NHI alumni enroll in college
90%
Complete their degrees in 4-5 years
How You Can Help and Participate
- Volunteer with NHI during the Spring with a local chapter or at a summer site.
- Donate to the Phi Iota Alpha / NHI Hispanic Youth Fund to expand access. NHI is a 501(c) (3) IRS tax-exempt organization and a Texas nonprofit corporation.
- Encourage fraternity chapters, community organizations, and supporters to adopt this model.
- Discuss custom projects or sponsorships with us that align with your community, region, or school.
- Nominate one or two students and directly invest in your chosen students.
- Encourage your college or undergraduate alma mater to join NHI’s College Register.
- Nominate a family member or close family friend to participate in NHI.
- Nominate your high school-age child, niece, or nephew to participate in NHI.
- Help NHI open doors by making an introduction to your alma mater or hometown Latino community-based organization, such as a LULAC chapter or cultural organization.
About the National Hispanic Institute (NHI)
NHI is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization dedicated to developing young civic and community leaders. Since 1979, over 100,000 students have participated in NHI programs, advancing their education, leadership skills, and professional networks across the Americas. All NHI participants become lifelong members of a global leadership community.