At HOBY, we believe the most valuable resource communities can invest in is their youth. We provide students with an amazing opportunity to learn how to lead and make a difference in the world. We teach young leaders “how to think, not what to think” — creatively, critically, and compassionately.
HOBY Ambassadors will have the distinction of representing their school and state. Students have an unforgettable experience and develop leadership skills which will serve them long into the future.
HOBY is also a highlight on any high school resume. The program is well-known among college admissions officers and provides students with access to additional recognition and scholarships, such as the Presidential Service Award.
What is the HOBY State Leadership Seminar?
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) is the nation’s foremost youth leadership development organization. HOBY programs provide youth with unique leadership training to make a better world.
Every spring, more than 9,000 high school sophomores from across the country are chosen to represent their high schools in HOBY State Leadership Seminars. The seminars empower students to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, and community. Selected students attend our three or four-day seminars and participate in hands-on activities, meet leaders in their state, and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to lead others and make a positive impact in their community.
The curriculum is based on the Social Change Model of Leadership and develops leadership from three perspectives: Personal Leadership, Group Leadership, and Leadership for Society.
What is the World Leadership Conference?
HOBY's annual international youth leadership event, The World Leadership Congress (WLC), is a dynamic leadership program that brings together students (or "ambassadors" as we like to call them here at HOBY) from the U.S. and abroad.
This group of over 400 ambassadors comprised of U.S. high school students and international students from all four corners of the globe convene for a week-long, life-changing, educational and leadership skills building program.
Students that attended a state seminar are eligible to attend either the same year as their seminar, or the year following their seminar. WLC is held at Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, IL in July 2025.
CLeWs are a one-day leadership program offered to high school freshman. A typical CLeW is six to ten hours long, with 50-100 freshmen participants, and focuses on leadership as a discipline to be explored and learned,
HOBY CLeW students interact with local community leaders, participate in group activities, and conduct community service projects. CLeWs are organized, developed, and implemented by local business leaders, civic groups, volunteers, and HOBY alumni. There are no fees associated with attending a CLeW. If you are interested in planning a local CLeW, please contact [email protected].