PR/HYLI
The Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) is a yearly program designed to develop leadership and public speaking skills for Hispanic youth across the state of New York.
Founded over 30 years ago by late New York State Assemblyman Angelo Del Toro, PR/HYLI provides selected students with training in leadership, public speaking and advocacy, culminating in a Mock Legislative Assembly at the New York State Capitol building.
About PR/HYLI
2026-2027 Capital District Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) Cohort
We are excited to announce the launch of the 2026-2027 Capital District Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) Cohort!
What is PRHYLI?
The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) is a FREE 30-hour leadership development program for Hispanic/Latinx high school students in New York State.
Through engaging workshops and statewide events, students will:
Network with peers and community leaders
Develop public speaking and critical thinking skills
Learn parliamentary procedures and debate bills
In-Person Training Sessions
All sessions will run on 6 Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Questar III BOCES Central Office (10 Empire State Blvd. Castleton, NY 12033)
Session 1: November 21, 2026
Session 2: December 12, 2026
Session 3: January 23, 20267
Session 4: January 30, 2027
Session 5: February 27, 2027
Session 6: March 13, 2027
Special Events
PR/HYLI Weekend at the NYS Assembly Capitol Building:
April 3-5 (50 selected students)
PR/HYLI Reunion: Date TBD in May 2027
Key Application Dates
Applications Open: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Application Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026
Q&A Sessions
Virtual Informational Sessions for Families and School Personnel (Please register for one only):
September 29, 4:00 – via Zoom |
October 7, 4:00 – via Zoom |
| Registration Link PRHYLI Informational Session Sept. 29 |
Registration Link PRHYLI Informational Session Oct. 7 |
Thank you for sharing this opportunity and supporting the next generation of Hispanic leaders.
Best regards,
Capital District Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (CD RBERN)
Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute Facilitators
Contact information
Joshua Sol Lewis
PR/HYLI Delegation Leader
Joshua.Lewis@questar.org
(518) 479-6992
I'm Interested!
To express interest in PR/HYLI, click on the link below, fill out the form, and we will be in touch with you shortly with next steps.
Important Dates
Program Phases:
- Legislative training
- Participation in the three-day Institute
- Extending leadership in students’ home communities
Training Session Dates:
November 21, 2026
December 12, 2026
January 23, 2027
January 30, 2027
February 27, 2027
March 13, 2027
April 3-5 PRHYLI Weekend (NYS Capitol Building)
How can I apply?
Students can apply to PR/HYLI through the following link:
PR/HYLI Application 2026-2027
Applications are due no later than October 31 at midnight.
Who can I contact for more information?
“PR/HYLI has been by far the best experience I’ve ever had. I’m so proud of being Latino. I never felt this way before.”
– PR/HYLI Delegate Kenneth Diaz-Fuentes
New Paltz High School
“PR/HYLI ha sido la mejor experiencia que he tenido. Estoy tan orgulloso de ser latino. Nunca antes me había sentido así”.
– Delegado de PR/HYLI Kenneth Diaz-Fuentes
New Paltz High School”